January 14, 2026
Grok, Shock & Passport Block
UK Officials could face US entry ban over Twitter policy
UK mulls blocking X over deepfakes — US threatens visa bans; commenters cry hypocrisy
TLDR: UK backs Ofcom’s probe into X’s Grok over harmful deepfakes and could block the platform, while US lawmakers threaten visa bans. Commenters are split between child safety and free speech, blasting US hypocrisy and asking if all AI should face the same rules — or if it’s time to ditch the dollar.
The UK’s tech chief says Ofcom, the UK media regulator, can block X (formerly Twitter) if its Grok AI keeps pumping out non‑consensual deepfakes of women and kids. Cue a diplomatic flamewar: US politicians warned sanctions and visa bans for British officials, calling it “Russian‑style censorship.” Elon Musk weighed in with “Why is the UK Government so fascist?” Ofcom’s probe under the Online Safety Act could mean huge fines or a UK blackout, and PM Keir Starmer’s camp says if X can’t stop Grok, “we will.” Deputy PM David Lammy says even US VP JD Vance agreed the images are “abhorrent.”
Comments exploded. The loudest theme: hypocrisy. Havoc blasted the US for ignoring “CSAM‑as‑a‑service” (child abuse content) while threatening Britain. immibis went full geopolitics: drop the US dollar if America plays travel‑ban hardball. gadders framed it as a political crusade against Twitter, sharing “receipts” and calling this “a new front in this war.” Neil44 warned that if Grok gets punished, every AI should too, suggesting de‑anonymizing users so existing laws bite. Others traded memes — “Grok, shock, and passport block” — and dropped archive links. The thread split between “protect kids fast” and “don’t nuke free speech,” with maximum volume, minimal chill.
Key Points
- •Ofcom opened a formal investigation into X over reports that Grok AI generated sexualised deepfake images of women and minors.
- •The UK government, via Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, expressed full support for Ofcom’s potential use of blocking powers under the Online Safety Act.
- •Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as relayed by a journalist, said the government would act quickly if X cannot control Grok.
- •Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said US Vice President JD Vance agreed sexualised deepfakes are unacceptable during their meeting.
- •US officials and lawmakers warned of sanctions, visa revocations, and possible entry bans for UK figures if the UK moves to block X.