Halifax council votes overwhelmingly to discontinue using X platform

Halifax regional councillors made a significant decision on Tuesday, with nearly unanimous support, to discontinue the use of the Elon Musk-owned social media platform X by July 15. Instead, they plan to transition to Bluesky Social, a move that follows concerns outlined in a staff report regarding X’s effectiveness as a communication tool.

The 16-1 vote reflects the council’s recognition of the limitations of X, particularly in light of past communication failures such as those seen during the tragic events of the 2020 Portapique mass shooting. Coun. Sam Austin emphasized the need to diversify information sources and expressed concerns about X’s politicization. He highlighted Musk’s ties to the U.S. government, noting the potential risks associated with relying on a platform owned by someone “part of a government that means us harm very openly.”

One of the key considerations in the decision to transition to Bluesky was the fact that users need to have an X account to access information on the platform, limiting its reach as a mass communication tool. Coun. Jean St-Amand highlighted the platform’s susceptibility to algorithms and commercial interests, questioning its overall effectiveness compared to other social media platforms.

Coun. David Hendsbee was the sole dissenting voice in the council, citing concerns about censorship and advocating for continued use of X. However, his colleagues argued that the choice of communication medium should align with the organization’s values and principles. Coun. Shawn Cleary emphasized the need to prioritize platforms that align with ethical considerations, pointing to Musk’s controversial statements and actions as a reason to seek alternative options.

Bluesky emerged as the preferred alternative to X, with municipal staff identifying its user-driven moderation system and commitment to open communication as key advantages. The platform’s design, tailored for time-sensitive information dissemination, aligns with the organization’s values and community engagement principles. Notably, other Canadian municipalities, such as St. John’s and the District of North Vancouver, have also opted to move away from X in favor of alternative platforms.

In conclusion, Halifax’s decision to transition to Bluesky reflects a commitment to ethical communication practices and aligning with platforms that prioritize user experience and community values. The move away from X underscores the importance of diversifying communication channels and considering the broader societal implications of social media use.