Readers of Metro have launched a fierce debate about the state of free speech and political discourse on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, with many alleging the site's algorithm is deliberately skewed.
Is X's 'For You' Feed Rigged?
In a series of letters published on January 16, 2026, contributors expressed deep frustration with the platform's direction under owner Elon Musk. One reader, Clive Morris from Epsom, detailed his experience, stating that whenever he logs on, he is automatically placed in the 'For you' channel. He describes this as subjecting him to "a stream of unremitting propaganda from right-wing posters" until he manually switches to the 'Following' tab.
Morris, who joined X years ago to criticise the Tory government and his MP Chris Grayling, questioned whether the suppression of anti-Starmer comments was entirely negative. He directly challenged the notion of impartiality, asking: "Do right-wing users of X find they’re initially subjected to left-wing propaganda? I doubt it and I suspect Mr Musk has rigged the algorithm." He concluded that free speech often seems to apply only to one side of the political divide.
Wider Political and Social Commentary
The discussion on X formed part of a broader MetroTalk section covering a range of pressing national issues. Readers did not hold back in their criticism of the Labour government, with Andy from Edinburgh quipping that if Sir Keir Starmer was asked who won the 3.45 at Cheltenham, "his answer would start, 'The previous government are responsible…'"
Another reader, Julian Self from Wolverton, commented on perceived government confusion, particularly regarding a digital ID plan. He argued: "It seems we’re no longer witnessing U-turns so much as a government in tailspin."
International affairs also came under scrutiny. P Wright from Solihull highlighted the "irony" of former US President Donald Trump telling Iranian protesters that "help is on its way" while his own administration labelled a woman shot dead by an ICE official as a "domestic terrorist".
From Potholes to Protests: Local Grievances Air
The correspondence extended beyond high politics to everyday concerns. Martin Lawrence from South Croydon sarcastically marked National Pothole Day by wondering if "candy-floss or papier-mâché" would be used for repairs this year, predicting the material would be "ineffectual".
Antony Porter from London lamented the rapid reappearance of dog mess after the festive season, blaming new dog owners finding clean-up duties "tiresome". In a notable comment on policing, a reader named Roger from Wolverhampton argued that West Midlands police chief Craig Guildford's decision to ban Israeli football fans from an Aston Villa game was "an admission that the police have lost control of the streets", calling it appeasement rather than effective management.
Amidst the critiques, Charlie Parrett from Stoke offered a lighter piece of advice for failed New Year's resolutions, suggesting making them one-off positive actions rather than constant denials.
The platform's AI tool, Grok, was also referenced in the original discussion, noted for its controversial ability to generate images, including stripping clothes from photos for paying subscribers—a point raised in the context of Labour's dispute with Musk.
Metro continues to invite readers to have their say on these and other topics, directing questions for its Senior Politics Reporter Craig Munro to alrightgov@metro.co.uk for the weekly politics newsletter.
