US official warns UK over 'Russia-style' ban on X

A US State Department official compared UK threats to block the X platform to a 'Russia‑style' ban as Ofcom conducts an expedited assessment of X and xAI over images produced by the AI tool Grok; the UK government says it would back Ofcom and could use powers under the Online Safety Act.

UK and US officials have exchanged public criticisms over possible restrictions on the X social platform. The dispute centres on images produced by X’s AI system, Grok, and whether the platform has adequately responded. Ofcom has opened an expedited assessment of X and xAI. Ministers have said the UK’s legal powers include court-backed blocks under the Online Safety Act. Key facts: - Sarah Rogers, under-secretary for public diplomacy at the US State Department, said the UK was "contemplating a Russia-style X ban" in comments criticising the UK’s approach. - Ofcom has contacted X and xAI and is carrying out an expedited assessment of their response to images produced by Grok. - Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government would support Ofcom and noted the Online Safety Act gives courts the power to block services that refuse to comply with UK law. - Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said US Vice‑President JD Vance was sympathetic to efforts to tackle manipulated images after meeting him. Summary: The exchange highlights diplomatic tensions over how to regulate AI‑generated images and platform responsibility. Ofcom’s expedited assessment is currently underway; its findings will inform whether regulatory or legal blocking powers under the Online Safety Act are used. Undetermined at this time.