X has declined to remove dozens of social media posts reported for hate speech, abuse, or harassment, including messages containing racial slurs directed at prominent UK politicians such as Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.

According to research published in May by the social inclusion think tank British Future, at least 30 posts made this year referred to Badenoch using the N-word.

Researchers reported each post through X’s “hate, abuse or harassment” reporting channel, but the platform reportedly took action in only a minority of cases despite repeated complaints.

It was reported that X generally intervenes only when content is flagged as potentially illegal under the UK’s Online Safety Act. In such instances, the platform typically limits the visibility of the content within the UK while allowing it to remain accessible in other jurisdictions.

X ultimately restricted access to only two of the 30 posts containing the N-word directed at Kemi Badenoch, and did so only after British Future Director Sunder Katwala contacted the platform directly. Katwala argued that researchers should not be required to complete a separate and “onerous” legal reporting process for each offending post.

The platform’s moderation practices have drawn increased scrutiny under owner Elon Musk, who has been accused of amplifying far-right narratives since acquiring X in 2022.

Earlier this month, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Musk, accusing him of seeking to “whip up division” through his posts concerning the murder of student Henry Nowak in Southampton.

The UK’s Online Safety Act, currently being implemented by communications regulator Ofcom, requires digital platforms to take action against illegal content.

The legislation covers a range of offences, including content involving racially or religiously aggravated abuse and harassment.