Attorney General Richard Hermer has instructed his office to stop posting on X, making it the first UK government department to cease use of the platform amid growing concerns about its role in inciting violence and racism. The decision follows recent riots in Southampton and Belfast, where far-right agitators used the site to organize and spread disinformation.
First Government Department to Step Away
Hermer's office last posted on X on Friday, and officials have been told to avoid using the site unless specifically to combat disinformation. While Downing Street has defended continued use of the platform, citing the need to reach the public, Hermer's move signals a shift as ministers increasingly worry about social media's impact.
Recent Violence Linked to X Activity
Eleven police officers were injured in Southampton during protests over the case of Henry Nowak, where false claims of a racist assault were spread. In Belfast, violence erupted after far-right calls for demonstrations following a stabbing attack by a Sudanese refugee. In both instances, agitators endorsed by Elon Musk used X to incite unrest.
Government Response and Regulation
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer threatened to block X in the UK over AI-generated sexualized images, but action was deferred to Ofcom. Ministers plan to amend the Online Safety Act to require faster removal of inflammatory content during crises, though this won't take effect until mid-July. Downing Street also announced a ban on many social media sites for under-16s, going further than Australia.
Hermer's Stance on Social Media
Hermer, a supporter of action against social media platforms, criticized "crypto-funded millionaires" for sowing division. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Britain's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights, warning against allowing a small group to draw lines between communities.
This article was amended on 19 June 2026 to clarify that Hermer's role covers England and Wales, not the entire UK.
