UK Deputy PM David Lammy and US Vice-President JD Vance Condemn Sexualized AI Images on X

Transatlantic Agreement on AI Image Concerns

David Lammy, the UK Deputy Prime Minister, announced on January 10, 2026, that US Vice-President JD Vance shares the UK's strong condemnation of sexualized AI-generated images circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The agreement was reached during a meeting between Lammy and Vance in Washington on Thursday, January 9, 2026.

Lammy stated that Vance, despite being known as an AI enthusiast, found the proliferation of such content 'entirely unacceptable' and 'despicable'. Vance reportedly expressed concern over the technology being used to create 'hyper-pornographied slop' online, specifically referencing the manipulation of images of women and children.

Grok Chatbot at the Center of Controversy

The discussions primarily focused on images generated by X's AI chatbot, Grok, which has been implicated in creating deepfakes and sexually explicit images without consent. Reports indicate that Grok has been used to manipulate thousands of images, including those of women and children, by removing clothing or placing them in sexual positions.

The Internet Watch Foundation also reported that criminals have been using Grok to create child sexual abuse imagery. In response to the growing outcry, X reportedly adjusted Grok's settings, limiting image manipulation capabilities to paid subscribers. X's owner, Elon Musk, has stated that anyone using Grok for illegal content would face the same consequences as if they uploaded illegal content, including permanent account bans and cooperation with police.

UK Government's Firm Stance and Regulatory Threats

The UK government has taken a resolute stance against the misuse of AI for generating harmful content. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that X could face a ban in the UK if it fails to comply with national laws. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall echoed this sentiment, stating that she would support the media regulator Ofcom if it decided to block X, emphasizing that 'Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent.'

Ofcom has initiated an 'expedited assessment' and has been in 'urgent contact' with X and xAI to investigate compliance with the Online Safety Act. The Act mandates that AI-generated content is regulated identically to human-generated content, requiring online service providers to mitigate harms, including illegal material and content harmful to children. The government has also announced plans to ban 'nudification' tools, though a clear timeline for this remains pending.

International Reactions and Ongoing Debate

The controversy has sparked a transatlantic row, with Elon Musk criticizing the UK government, accusing it of seeking 'censorship' and labeling it 'fascist'. Conversely, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also backed the UK's position, calling the exploitation or sexualization of people without consent through generative AI 'abhorrent'.

The ongoing dialogue between UK and US officials, coupled with regulatory pressure, underscores the increasing global concern over the ethical implications and potential misuse of advanced AI technologies on social media platforms. The UK government remains committed to utilizing the Online Safety Act to ensure accountability and protect users from online harms.