TRADE unionists have called on the Scottish Government to boycott Elon Musk’s Twitter/X – saying the social media platform is dominated by “racists, fascists and conspiracy theorists”.
A motion put forward for debate at the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) said local authorities and health boards should also be urged to ditch the platform.
A preliminary agenda for the event, due to take place between April 28 and 30 in Dundee, has been shared with The National.
The Dumfries and Galloway Trades Union Council put forward the motion calling on the Scottish Government to ditch Twitter/X.
It reads: “That this congress resolves that the general council should write to all affiliates, the Scottish Government, all councils and health boards in Scotland urging a total withdrawal from and boycott of X (formerly Twitter).
“This is because, under Elon Musk, not only has it become a platform for racists, fascists and conspiracy theorists, its algorithms actively promote their views. It also has no effective fact checking.”
John Swinney has previously signalled he would be open to quitting Twitter/X, telling reporters in early January: “While I’m still using X just now, I will consider further the issues that are raised by members of the public about the appropriateness of that as a communications channel.”
The First Minister also expressed concern about Mark Zuckerberg’s changes to Facebook and Instagram’s content policies and fact-checking services, which the tech giant tore up ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Musk’s stewardship of Twitter/X has been controversial. The tech giant was accused of stoking far-right riots across England last summer through the company’s light-touch approach to hate speech and disinformation.
He was himself accused of stirring up tensions after claiming “civil war is inevitable” in response to a tweet saying the riots were caused by “mass migration and open borders”.
Musk has also found himself embroiled in high-profile spats on the app, including popularising the insult “two tier Keir” in reference to the Prime Minister, over claims the UK Government were overly harsh on rioters and those inciting disorder on social media.
He has also clashed with former first minister Humza Yousaf on the platform, with the SNP MSP previously challenging the tech billionaire to a debate.#
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Effective communication enables the Scottish Government to increase public awareness and encourage uptake of key policies, with social media platforms used where appropriate to target particular audiences. All media platforms are considered, with the most effective options being chosen.”
