What happened

Sky News ran a nine-month experiment in the UK using nearly 90,000 posts and simulated British accounts to test what X’s recommendation engine surfaces for new and existing users. 

They report the algorithm delivered a majority share of right-wing political content (more than 60 percent in some comparisons), including material with hateful or extreme language and heavy amplification of immigration-focused narratives and certain right-leaning figures. 

It also favoured posts from politicians favoured by X owner Elon Musk. 

The investigation documents that even accounts seeded with left-leaning signals were steered toward right-wing posts, suggesting amplification is not merely based on popularity but systemic bias. 

Why it happened

Sky News identified several factors that contribute to this amplification:

• Algorithmic opacity: Key parts of X's algorithm are undisclosed, preventing independent verification and public transparency.​

• Restricted access for researchers: X has limited academic access to its data API, hampering external oversight and accountability.​

• Owner influence: Since Elon Musk’s takeover, platform policy shifts and personal preferences seem to influence algorithmic outcomes, with more left-wing voices leaving X or having reduced reach compared to right-wing counterparts.​

• Algorithmic design: The algorithm heavily weighs engagement and content type but is shown to favor “extreme language” and certain political orientations beyond engagement-driven logic.