Elon Musk criticized for amplifying anti-immigrant narratives on X following Belfast riots

Researchers from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate CCDH reported that posts from Musk, anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, and Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe regarding the Belfast unrest collectively garnered over 115 million views, with Musk contributing 64 million views. The riots in Northern Ireland's capital followed a knife attack, with a Sudanese national charged with attempted murder. CCDH stated that Musk's amplification was instrumental in spreading these narratives, noting that he posted to his 240 million followers on X, encouraging protests.

Imran Ahmed, CCDH's founder and chief executive, highlighted Musk's unparalleled power to shape online content and his responsibility for the conduct promoted on his platform. The research also identified an "explosion in calls for violence" in the comments responding to these posts, with over 3,900 comments advocating crimes against immigrants. Robinson's account, previously banned, was reinstated after Musk's acquisition of the platform.

This criticism comes as Musk achieved the milestone of becoming the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX's Wall Street trading debut.