Sudbury MP Resigns from X.com Following Deepfake Concerns

Sudbury MP Quits X Platform Over Misinformation and Deepfake Concerns

Sudbury Liberal MP Viviane Lapointe has announced her departure from X (formerly Twitter), citing the platform’s inadequate response to the proliferation of misinformation and AI-generated sexual deepfakes.

In her statement, Lapointe expressed particular concern about how artificial intelligence tools on the platform have been used to target women and children through acts of sexual exploitation.

“X/Twitter’s response does little to prevent or address the harm caused by their designed AI tools,” Lapointe wrote. “Entities that profit from these platforms have a responsibility and a duty to prevent harm, not promote.”

Lapointe assured constituents that her office remains accessible despite her exit from X. She will continue to maintain a social media presence on alternative platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky, where she will share updates and engage with constituents.

Her decision comes amid growing national conversation about social media regulation in Canada, particularly regarding the spread of deepfake content—digitally altered videos or images that make individuals appear to say or do things they never actually did.

The Liberal government recently introduced Bill C-16, legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims of online exploitation. The bill, tabled last month, specifically targets the distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes and proposes increased penalties for various sexual crimes, including the sharing of intimate images without consent.

Digital rights advocates have been increasingly vocal about the need for stronger regulatory frameworks governing social media platforms, arguing that companies have failed to adequately police harmful content, particularly content that disproportionately affects women and minors.

Despite concerns about X’s content moderation policies, federal Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Soloman has indicated that the government has no plans to ban the platform, according to reporting by The Globe and Mail. The Liberal Party of Canada has also maintained its official presence on X, continuing to use the platform for party communications and voter outreach.

Lapointe’s exit highlights the growing tension between political accessibility on popular platforms and concerns about those platforms’ safety and responsibility. As one of the first federal MPs to publicly abandon X, her decision may influence how other politicians approach their social media strategies in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

“I pledge to support efforts for stronger protections from harm and advocate for clear accountability from platform providers,” Lapointe stated, signaling her intent to continue addressing digital safety concerns through her parliamentary work.

The MP’s departure from X reflects broader concerns about the evolving challenges of regulating AI-powered tools and social media platforms. As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, legislators worldwide are grappling with how to balance free expression with protection from digital exploitation.

For Sudbury residents, Lapointe’s office has emphasized that constituency services will remain unaffected, with staff continuing to monitor all communication channels for urgent constituent matters.