An anti-disinformation campaigner, who is facing deportation from the United States, has urged British politicians to 'question their consciences' every time they use Elon Musk's social media platform, X.
Sanctions and the 'Corrupting Influence' of Big Tech
Imran Ahmed, the chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), was hit with sanctions by Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday, 24 December 2025. US officials accused him of attempting to 'censor' platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter.
Speaking to the Press Association on Friday, 26 December, Mr Ahmed asserted that the move to remove him from the US, where he is a legal permanent resident, was driven by the power of major technology firms. He described the sanctions as "a story about the corrupting influence of big tech and big money in Washington," labelling the companies as "arrogant" and "sociopathic in their greed."
A Direct Challenge to UK Politicians
When asked if UK MPs and other political figures should continue to engage with X, Mr Ahmed issued a stark warning. He stated that each post by a politician puts money into Mr Musk's pocket, compelling them to reflect on their continued use of the platform.
"Politicians have to make decisions for themselves," he told PA, "but every time they post on X, they are putting a buck in Mr Musk’s pocket and I think they need to question their own consciences."
The campaigner has a history of conflict with major tech companies, particularly Elon Musk, who unsuccessfully sued the CCDH last year over its research highlighting increases in hate speech and disinformation on X. Mr Ahmed noted it was "telling" that Mr Musk was among the first to celebrate the announcement of the US sanctions.
Legal Battle and Wider Implications
As a green card holder living with his American wife and child, Mr Ahmed's permanent residency status is now under threat, potentially leading to deportation. However, he has secured a temporary court order preventing his arrest or deportation ahead of a crucial hearing scheduled for Monday, 29 December.
His lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, argued the government's actions were "blatantly unconstitutional," emphasising that Mr Ahmed cannot be deported "simply because it doesn’t like what he has to say."
Mr Ahmed is one of five Europeans issued with visa bans by the US over alleged 'censorship' efforts. The group includes Clare Melford of the Global Disinformation Index, former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, and leaders of the German organisation HateAid.
US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accused the group of trying to "coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose." Undersecretary Sarah Rogers claimed Mr Ahmed collaborated with the Biden administration to "weaponise the government" against citizens, citing his support for measures like the UK's Online Safety Act.
The UK Government, in response, stated that while every country can set its own visa rules, it supports "laws and institutions which are working to keep the internet free from the most harmful content."
Mr Ahmed, a former adviser to Labour's Hilary Benn, has connections to senior figures in Sir Keir Starmer's party. The outcome of his legal hearing this week will be closely watched on both sides of the Atlantic.
