A Vancouver city councillor is spearheading an initiative to wean the municipal government off its reliance on the social media platform X.com, formerly known as Twitter, for disseminating critical updates about public meetings.
Proposal Aims for More Stable Communication Channels
The motion, highlighted on December 7, 2025, comes amid growing concerns about the platform's volatility and its suitability for official civic communications. The councillor argues that a city as significant as Vancouver should not depend on a privately-owned, third-party platform that can change its rules, accessibility, or stability at any moment.
Currently, residents often turn to the Vancouver City Clerk's profile on X.com for real-time notices about council meetings, agenda changes, and public hearings. The proposed shift would see the city prioritize its own official website and other more controlled communication tools to ensure reliable and equitable access to information for all citizens.
Addressing Accessibility and Reliability Concerns
Key drivers behind the proposal include issues of digital accessibility and information integrity. Social media algorithms can limit the reach of posts, and not all residents use or have access to specific platforms. Furthermore, technical outages or policy changes on X.com could suddenly leave Vancouverites in the dark about important civic proceedings.
The move reflects a broader, cautious reevaluation by governments and institutions worldwide regarding their presence on social media platforms following significant ownership and policy changes at X.com. The councillor's proposal emphasizes building a more robust, city-controlled digital infrastructure for public announcements.
If adopted, the change would mark a significant step in how Vancouver's municipal government interacts with the public, prioritizing direct and stable lines of communication over the fluctuating nature of social media trends.