London (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 13, 2026 – UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated the government backs regulator Ofcom in potentially blocking access to X if it fails to address AI-generated deepfake images, sexualising women and children.
US officials and lawmakers, including Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, warned of sanctions, visa revocations, and entry bans for UK figures should a ban proceed, likening it to Russian censorship tactics. Ofcom launched an investigation into X over Grok AI deepfakes, amid transatlantic tensions on free speech and online safety.
Ofcom launches probe into X Deepfakes
Ofcom opened a formal investigation into X following reports of its Grok AI chatbot generating non-consensual deepfake images, including sexualised depictions of women and minors.
The regulator described the incidents as “deeply troubling” and is assessing whether X violated UK laws under the Online Safety Act. Ofcom demanded X outline protective measures for UK users, with potential fines up to 10% of global revenue or court-ordered blocks if non-compliant.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall affirmed government support for Ofcom’s actions. As reported by BBC News journalists, she stated that Ofcom would have complete backing should it employ its powers.
In a related development at a Parliamentary Labour Party meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed X’s handling of Grok directly. Peter Stefanovic said in X post,
“If X cannot control Grok, we will – and we’ll do it fast because if you profit from harm and abuse, you lose the right to self regulate,” Keir Starmer has told a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
“If X cannot control Grok, we will – and we’ll do it fast because if you profit from harm and abuse, you lose the right to self regulate,” Keir Starmer has told a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Partyhttps://t.co/3z6DmnHMDk — Peter Stefanovic (@PeterStefanovi2) January 13, 2026
UK Government backs potential X blockade
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