In a significant transatlantic alignment, US Vice-President JD Vance has agreed with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy that the proliferation of AI-generated sexualised images on platforms like X is "entirely unacceptable". The agreement came during a meeting in Washington on Thursday, amid a growing diplomatic row over the social media platform's practices.
Sympathy for the UK's Stance on Grok
David Lammy told the Guardian he found Vance "sympathetic" to the UK government's position after raising the issue of X's artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. The tool has been used to manipulate thousands of images of women and children, removing clothing or placing them in sexual positions. Lammy described the situation as "horrendous" and "abhorrent".
Sources at the meeting revealed that Vance, typically known as an AI enthusiast, expressed concern about how the technology was fuelling what he termed "hyper-pornographied slop" online. This marks a notable moment of consensus between the two politicians, who have developed a personal friendship, including a family holiday last summer that featured an unlicensed fishing trip in Chevening, Kent.
Escalating Threats and Platform Changes
The discussion occurs against a backdrop of escalating rhetoric. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that X could be blocked in the UK over the "unlawful" and "disgusting" AI-generated imagery. In response, Elon Musk, the owner of X, accused the UK government of wanting "any excuse for censorship" and labelled it "fascist".
Supporters of Donald Trump, including Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, have called for sanctions against the UK if it proceeds with a ban. Musk amplified this threat by sharing Luna's post on his platform.
Following the controversy, X appeared to alter Grok's settings on Friday, with the chatbot informing users that only paid subscribers could ask it to manipulate images. However, reports suggest this restriction may only apply to requests made in reply to other posts, leaving other methods of image creation on a separate Grok website potentially unaffected.
Regulatory Backing and Wider Discussions
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has stated she would support media regulator Ofcom if it decided to ban X for non-compliance with UK laws. Ofcom has confirmed it will accelerate an investigation into the platform.
Lammy and Vance's meeting also covered other sensitive international issues, including the war in Ukraine, the "emerging situation in Venezuela", and tensions over Greenland. Lammy reflected on the strain on international laws, stating, "We're realists, and must accept that we're now living in a multipolar world... the rule of law is under tremendous strain."
The vice-president confirmed to Lammy that he had seen X had announced some changes regarding Grok. The two men have remained in contact on the issue, with further communication reported on Friday.
