US Vice-President JD Vance has agreed it is "entirely unacceptable" for social media platforms like X to permit the spread of AI-generated sexualised images, according to UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. The comments came during a meeting in Washington on Thursday, amid a growing diplomatic dispute over the platform's practices.
Transatlantic Concern Over AI-Generated 'Slop'
Lammy told the Guardian that he raised the issue of X's AI chatbot, Grok, with Vance. The technology 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 present said Vance, typically known as an advocate for artificial intelligence, shared concerns about how the technology was fuelling what he termed "hyper-pornographied slop" online. Lammy stated he found the Vice-President "sympathetic" to the UK's position on the grave risks posed by such image manipulation.
Musk's Reaction and Threat of UK Ban
The discussion occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the UK government and X's owner, Elon Musk. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the platform could be blocked in Britain over the "unlawful" and "disgusting" AI-generated imagery.
In response, Musk accused the UK government of wanting "any excuse for censorship" and labelled it "fascist" in a post on Friday. His comments were echoed by supporters of Donald Trump, including Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who called for sanctions against the UK if it proceeds with a ban.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has stated she would support media regulator Ofcom if it decided to ban X for non-compliance with UK law. Ofcom has confirmed it will accelerate an investigation into the platform.
Platform Changes and Wider Discussions
Following the controversy, X appeared to alter Grok's settings on Friday, with the chatbot informing users that only paid subscribers could request image manipulations. However, reports indicate this restriction may be limited, with other methods for creating such images remaining accessible.
Lammy and Vance's meeting also covered other sensitive international issues, including:
- The war in Ukraine and security guarantees.
- The "emerging situation" in Venezuela.
- Tensions over Greenland, following repeated claims by Donald Trump.
Lammy reflected on the strain on international law, 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 two politicians have developed a personal rapport, with Vance and his family having stayed with Lammy during a holiday last summer. Their relationship, built on shared backgrounds and faith, provided the context for this high-stakes diplomatic exchange on the perils of unregulated AI.
