In a proactive move, Belfast City Council has decided to suspend its use of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, following growing concerns over the platform’s AI tool, Grok. The council’s strategic and resources committee voted 15-4 to temporarily halt posting on its X account and instead direct followers to the council’s other social media channels.
The decision, which is subject to ratification at the next full council meeting on 2 February, comes as several Northern Ireland Executive departments have also indicated they are reviewing their subscriptions to X. The platform is currently being investigated by UK regulator Ofcom after widespread concerns that Grok was being used to create non-consensual sexualized deepfake images.
Green Party leader on Belfast City Council, Brian Smyth, who proposed the suspension alongside SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite, stated that councils have a “statutory duty under safeguarding” and felt compelled to act on the Grok issue. The council will not deactivate its X account entirely, as there are concerns the handle could be stolen and used to impersonate the council.
The decision was opposed by the DUP, who argued that it would reduce opportunities for the council to engage with residents and that the issue should be addressed across all AI and social media platforms, not just X.
SDLP assembly member Cara Hunter, who quit X earlier this month over Grok concerns, welcomed the council’s proposal, describing it as a “fantastic step forward.” Earlier in January, X announced it had implemented “technological measures” to prevent Grok from editing images of real people in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where it is illegal.
As the Grok controversy continues to unfold, Belfast City Council’s move underscores the growing unease among Northern Ireland’s public bodies regarding the potential misuse of AI-powered tools and the need for a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding digital platforms.
