Published Apr 09, 2025 • Last updated 8 hours ago • 2 minute readThe Halifax Regional Centre for Education is no longer using the app formerly known as Twitter.The Halifax Regional Centre for Education has stopped its use of the former Twitter social media platform amid mounting concerns from staff and community members.The posts on the service, now known as X, stopped on April 1. HRCE spokeswoman Lindsey Bunin said the decision was made for several reasons“Many staff and community members had reached out to express concerns about the use of the platform,” Bunin said. “In addition to concerns about cybersecurity, we’ve recognized that the prevalence of abusive behaviour and misinformation on X can cause harm.”THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentShe said there were concerns about recent changes to the platform’s terms of service and policies, which have led to uncertainty and dissatisfaction among users.It was also deemed that accounts on X can be vulnerable to hacking, spam and other security threats.Bunin said there were no specific posts that resulted in the change.“But, if you were to review comments on many of our posts or posts we’ve been tagged in, you’ll see a great deal of negative feedback,” she said. “We have received questions and feedback over several months regarding concerns about negativity on the platform and discussions were had at the senior level to determine this approach.”The account had more than 55,000 followers.Bunin said HRCE is looking for new ways to communicate with families and will continue to post information on its website as well as those of individual schools, and it is still using Instagram, email and texts.There is no scheduled plan to deactivate the account and no immediate plans to join Bluesky or other platforms, Bunin said.On Tuesday, Halifax regional councillors voted 16-1 to stop using the platform as well, after the issue was first raised in February. Coun. Laura White (Halifax South Downtown) submitted a motion then requesting city staff to determine the feasibility of ending its activity on X.In discussion on the motion at council, there were comments on the platform’s link to owner Elon Musk and his connections with the government of U.S. President Donald Trump as he attacks Canada’s economy through his policy of broad-based tariffs.Article content
Halifax centre for education abandons former Twitter app
