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UK Threatens Ban on X Over Online Safety Compliance

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The UK government is intensifying scrutiny of X over Grok, citing noncompliance with the Online Safety Act and limiting Grok's image generation to paying subscribers.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government supports Ofcom's actions, including banning X if it does not comply with the Online Safety Act.
U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) threatened sanctions against the UK if a ban occurs.

History

Historical Context

The UK's Online Safety Act, passed on October 26, 2023, aims to regulate harmful online content, particularly to protect children. Empowering Ofcom, it imposes fines up to £18 million on noncompliant platforms. This legislation reflects ongoing tensions in digital governance, echoing past UK-U.S. disputes, and raises significant debates about privacy, freedom of expression, and the balance between safety and censorship.

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Story summary

The UK government is intensifying scrutiny of X over Grok, citing noncompliance with the Online Safety Act and limiting Grok's image generation to paying subscribers.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government supports Ofcom's actions, including banning X if it does not comply with the Online Safety Act.
U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) threatened sanctions against the UK if a ban occurs.

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