Is Elon Musk shaping British public opinion?

Pars Today – A new study in the United Kingdom reveals that X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, is deliberately amplifying far-right and extremist content.

According to a Sky News media analysis, the algorithm of X—formerly Twitter—has been found to significantly boost exposure to far-right themes for British users. The findings are based on the examination of thousands of posts and how they were shown to simulated users with different political leanings.

Sky News analysts reported a direct correlation between the platform’s algorithmic behavior and the increased visibility of far-right political content, suggesting a possible systemic bias in how messages are promoted.

Since Musk’s takeover, X has undergone sweeping internal and policy changes. Promoting a “free speech” agenda, Musk dismissed much of the platform’s content moderation staff and publicly released parts of the platform’s algorithm. However, experts argue that this transparency is superficial and that the real algorithm gives unprecedented political influence to certain narratives. The Sky News report indicates that these changes have led to higher visibility for far-right messaging and even accounts linked to groups such as the British Defence League.

The investigation found that accounts associated with far-right figures like Tommy Robinson—a controversial activist previously prosecuted for anti-immigration and inflammatory activity—were prominently featured in users’ feeds. Even politically neutral test users were exposed to large volumes of posts critical of immigrants, minorities, and opposition parties.

The report adds that the rapid, high-volume spread of emotionally charged and divisive content suggests that the platform’s algorithm prioritizes posts that fuel polarization—benefiting specific political movements within Britain.

The controversy deepened after Elon Musk appeared via video at a rally in London led by Tommy Robinson titled “Unite for the Kingdom.” Held in mid-September near Parliament, the demonstration drew thousands protesting government immigration policies. In his video address, displayed on a large screen, Musk declared, “Either fight back or die,” and called for “the dissolution of Parliament,” claiming that “unchecked immigration is destroying the country.”

His remarks triggered strong backlash from British politicians across the left and center, who denounced them as dangerous interference in domestic politics.

Local media have also reported that Musk has used X to promote Robinson and, according to some unconfirmed accounts, may have helped cover part of his legal costs. Meanwhile, Musk’s growing ties with Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform Party and a leading figure in the Brexit campaign, have drawn attention.

Farage has praised Musk’s ownership of X as “part of the global fight against censorship,” accusing mainstream media of ignoring “the voice of Britain’s worried majority.” Speculation has intensified in recent months over potential financial support from Musk for the Reform Party, though neither side has officially confirmed it.

Left-wing British politicians have issued sharper warnings. Ed Miliband, the UK’s Energy Secretary, called Musk a “threat to healthy democratic discourse” at the Labour Party’s annual conference, urging him to “stay out of Britain’s internal politics.” Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, also voiced concern over Musk’s interference, saying: “We cannot allow a wealthy foreigner to dictate the rules of our political game.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Musk’s involvement in the “Unite for the Kingdom” rally, calling the politicization of national symbols and the use of violent rhetoric “dangerous and unacceptable.” He warned that the country’s flag must not become “a weapon for intimidation or political division.”

Despite mounting criticism, Starmer’s government has yet to take any concrete legal or policy action regarding Musk’s growing influence over Britain’s political discourse. For now, the controversy remains confined to media and parliamentary debate.