In a stunning revelation, the social media platform X has come under scrutiny for its lack of action against hate speech directed at UK politicians, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Despite multiple reports filed by the think tank British Future, the platform has largely turned a blind eye to offensive posts, raising serious concerns about its commitment to combating online racism.
A Clear Case of Negligence
In May 2026, researchers from British Future reported a staggering 30 instances of hate-filled posts on X, where Badenoch was subjected to racial slurs, including the N-word. Each report was submitted through the platform’s designated “hate, abuse or harassment” reporting tool, yet the majority of these instances went unaddressed. British Future’s findings highlight a troubling trend: X appears to only act when content is reported as illegal under the UK’s Online Safety Act.
Avaes Mohammad, a researcher involved in the report, stated, “Many users instinctively report racist posts as ‘hate’ or ‘harassment’, but it seems X does not classify them as such. Our research indicates that only when posts are reported as illegal does X consider taking action.”
In a shocking turn of events, only two of the 30 posts targeting Badenoch were restricted after direct intervention from Sunder Katwala, the director of British Future, who expressed frustration over the cumbersome reporting process.
The Broader Impact of Inaction
Elon Musk’s ownership of X has been marked by controversies, particularly his tendency to amplify far-right narratives. Following the murder of student Henry Nowak in Southampton, Labour leader Keir Starmer accused Musk of inciting division through inflammatory tweets. This backdrop raises questions about the platform’s responsibility in managing harmful content.
On 15 May, coinciding with Ofcom’s announcement of X’s voluntary commitment to remove illegal content within 48 hours, British Future reported 33 instances of the P-word being directed at public figures. Notably, the platform failed to remove any of these posts within the specified timeframe. In a subsequent communication with British Future, X instructed them to report posts as “UK illegal content” to expedite reviews. Even after this advice, many posts remained untouched, including one featuring a noose directed at British MP Zarah Sultana, which was accompanied by a derogatory message.
A Culture of Impunity for Racists?
The stark reality is that the accounts responsible for this hate speech remain active, with one user reportedly employing the N-word 45 times within a single week. British Future criticises X for creating an environment where racists can operate with impunity. Mohammad noted, “In May, the N-word was used to target Kemi Badenoch almost daily. Following her comments on Nigel Farage’s speech, that number surged to 16 instances in just one day. This clearly illustrates how far-right sentiments are fueling the hate on X.”
Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has condemned racism in all forms but emphasised that its role is to ensure platforms implement appropriate measures to comply with regulations, rather than dictate specific content removal.
The Stakes for Online Safety
X’s failure to adequately address hate speech is not just a matter of individual posts; it reflects a broader issue concerning the safety and inclusivity of online spaces. As social media continues to play a significant role in public discourse, the implications of inaction can be profound, allowing harmful ideologies to flourish unchecked.
The recent incidents underscore the pressing need for platforms like X to take their responsibilities seriously. With the Online Safety Act poised to enforce stricter regulations, it is crucial that social media companies prioritise user safety and demonstrate a genuine commitment to eradicating hate speech from their platforms.
Why it Matters
The implications of X’s negligence extend beyond the realm of social media; they touch upon fundamental societal issues of racism and hate speech. As political figures are increasingly targeted, the need for effective moderation and accountability in online spaces has never been more urgent. The fight against racism is a collective responsibility, and platforms must take a stand to protect individuals from abuse, fostering a digital environment where everyone can express themselves safely and freely.
