X platform hosts disinformation and polarizing content in 2024
During 2024, X hosted increasing amounts of polarizing and misleading political content, including deepfake videos and debunked claims. Some accounts accused of spreading disinformation and hate speech gained millions of views, reportedly influencing political discourse significantly.
What happened
During 2024, X developed into a polarized hub where controversial views and posts appeared more frequently. Certain profiles sharing misleading political content and news, some accused of spreading hate, became very popular.
A profile called Inevitable West, which describes itself as 'Defender of western values and culture', gained 131,600 followers in recent months and reaches approximately 30 million collective views daily according to its creator. The profile has posted a deepfake video of Trump telling the British Prime Minister that he would 'invade your country and make Britain great again', posts supporting far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and debunked claims about farmer protests in the United Kingdom and the Southport knife attack in which three children were killed at a Taylor Swift dance workshop.
Reported impact
X may have fewer users than other major social networks but reportedly has significant influence on political discourse. The platform is now not only a place where influential politicians, governments and police forces share statements and views, but its owner Elon Musk has also directly aligned himself with Donald Trump, a relationship that could reshape how other major social media platform leaders position themselves toward the next American president.
Index analysis
The rise of polarizing and misleading content on X during 2024 raises questions about whether demographic changes among X users or intentional decisions by platform leadership are responsible. Inevitable West denies accusations that it spreads disinformation and incites abuse or violence, stating that its account aims 'to be a voice for the silent majority in the Western world'.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.