Oxfordshire County Council withdraws from social media platform X
Decision made following concerns over online safety
Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed it is withdrawing from the social media platform X due to concerns over online hate speech and abuse, particularly targeting women and girls.
The council announced that it has reduced its activity on X in recent months, citing the platform’s decline as an effective and safe channel for engagement. Following an internal review, the decision has been made to focus communication efforts on other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and newer options such as Blue Sky and Nextdoor.
Oxfordshire County Council said safeguarding residents and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion are key responsibilities. It welcomed Ofcom’s investigation into X under the Online Safety Act.
A council spokesperson stated, “Public bodies have a responsibility to stand up against hate and abuse, particularly when it targets women and girls. Social media can be a powerful tool for engagement, but only when it is properly regulated and moderated. Where platforms fail to provide a safe and respectful space for communities, we must make clear and principled choices about how we communicate.”
Residents can continue to access updates through the council’s website and its remaining social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp travel, and YouTube.