Montreal Mayor Blocks Social Media Comments

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is facing backlash for turning off comments on her social media accounts, a decision she defended as necessary to combat online hate and harassment. Critics, including the city's Opposition leader Aref Salem, argue that this move limits freedom of expression and impedes democratic engagement, as social media is a key platform for citizens to interact with their mayor. Plante's office stated that the restrictions aim to reduce discriminatory and abusive comments, while Salem emphasized that elected officials should be accessible. Meanwhile, the City of Victoria has similarly disabled comments on its social media to address rising hate speech and misinformation, claiming it protects staff and promotes respectful communication. This trend highlights a growing concern among municipalities about managing online discourse, as several regions have adopted similar measures. Experts note that while local governments can restrict comments, the approach varies widely and often leaves officials feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of social media interaction.