Disinformation & Hate Speech: CA Assembly Democrats Announce X Departure

California (Thechieftainspear) – California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and 57 Democratic Assemblymembers announced Thursday that they will discontinue using X (formerly Twitter) for official communications, citing growing concerns over misinformation, inadequate content moderation, and hate speech.

Speaker Rivas Criticizes Platform’s Direction

In a statement explaining the decision, Rivas expressed concerns about relying on a privately owned platform for government communications.

“Democracy thrives on reliable information, not the changing priorities of one billionaire. Hate speech is rampant on X, the company has no accountability, and misinformation from fake accounts is a real problem. I don’t believe taxpayer dollars should fund engagement with X,” Rivas said.

His statement, posted as his final message on X, marks the end of his office’s presence on the platform.

Mass Departure from X

Rivas’ office described the move as one of the largest mass exits of elected officials from X.

The platform, acquired by Elon Musk in 2022, underwent significant changes, including a push to reduce spam and a shift in moderation policies aimed at supporting conservative viewpoints.

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However, a UC Berkeley-led study found that hate speech on X surged by about 50% in the months following Musk’s acquisition.

Lawmakers Shift to Alternative Platforms

Despite leaving X, Democratic lawmakers will continue engaging with the public through platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Elected officials often use social media to share updates, provide emergency information, and discuss policy matters, making this shift a significant change in how they interact with constituents .

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Layla Hango

Layla Hango is a dedicated author at The Chieftain Spear, where she delves into stories that highlight cultural richness, social issues, and community empowerment. With a passion for storytelling that inspires and informs, Layla brings a fresh perspective to her writing. Her work resonates with readers seeking meaningful dialogue and a deeper understanding of diverse experiences. Through her articles, Layla aims to spark positive change and celebrate the strength of collective voices.

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