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Social Media Non-consensual Sexual Deepfakes 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Economy
Other Contributors: 35
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall raised concerns about social media non-consensual sexual deepfakes 2026-01-12 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Economy
Government Statement
Today I am addressing the issue of artificial intelligence, social media and online safety. In recent days, AI tool Grok on X has been used to create and share degrading, non-consensual intimate deepfakes, which are illegal under the Online Safety Act 2023. Last week X limited its image creation function to paid subscribers but this does not go far enough as it is monetising abuse. The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 criminalises the creation or request for non-consensual intimate images, which will be enforced by Ofcom with fines up to 10% of a company’s qualifying worldwide revenue. I announce that we will legislate in the Crime and Policing Bill to criminalise nudification apps targeting the problem at its source. X must take proactive action against this illegal content or face severe consequences from Ofcom. We are committed to keeping women and children safe online, upholding British values of decency and respect.
Julia Lopez
Con
Hornchurch and Upminster
Question
Will the Secretary of State clarify how regulators will handle difficult enforcement choices in a politically sensitive environment?
Minister reply
We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls online, upholding British values of decency and respect. The Online Safety Act 2023 provides Ofcom with strong powers to enforce compliance, including fines and court orders.
Question
Will the Secretary of State ensure that the Government enforces against themselves for failures related to rape gang inquiries, puberty-blocking trials, single-sex spaces guidance implementation, and illegal migrant deportation?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady's party supported the Online Safety Act in government, which includes a backstop power allowing Ofcom to apply serious business disruption measures if companies repeatedly refuse to comply with the law.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Will my right hon. Friend now accept my Committee’s recommendations, particularly regarding generative AI and tackling social media business models?
Minister reply
I have already said that I will plug the gaps in the Act related to generative AI if necessary, and I am prepared to take further action based on facts and evidence.
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Question
Does the Secretary of State have full faith in Ofcom’s ability to enforce the Online Safety Act given the pace of technology?
Minister reply
I am happy to meet with the hon. Lady to discuss further steps, but it is important that action happens swiftly and that the public sees enforcement.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
Can you confirm the timescale for Ofcom's investigation and any subsequent action needed? How are children being safeguarded against abuse enabled by Grok?
Minister reply
No options are off the table if X continues to take an unsatisfactory approach, and I am happy to meet with my hon. Friend to discuss further steps.
Gosport
Question
How confident is the Secretary of State that Ofcom has both the resources and willpower to take on big tech companies?
Minister reply
Ofcom knows it needs to uphold the laws of this land, and I am determined to ensure that our world-leading AI developers can use technology responsibly.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that, in responding to a threat of this magnitude, a graduated response is required? What steps should Ofcom take?
Minister reply
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. A formal investigation has been launched and there are clear powers to fine companies up to 10% of their worldwide qualifying revenue, alongside backstop power. Other countries are taking a range of actions to send a clear message.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree with people who believe that Ofcom needs to enforce the Online Safety Act by the end of this week?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is a powerful champion on this issue. The deeds and action will provide proof that the very tough legislation already in place must be implemented, including British rule of law. Ofcom needs to act swiftly.
Twickenham
Question
Will the Secretary of State consider raising the digital age of data consent to stop big tech companies profiteering from children's attention?
Minister reply
Opposition Members and many colleagues on Government Benches have called for a ban on social media for under-16s, but it is not currently the Government’s policy. We are very concerned about screen time and will introduce new guidelines for screen use for under-fives.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that tech can be used for good by good people to aid lifelong sex education instead of exploitation?
Minister reply
I definitely agree with my hon. Friend on this point.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Question
Will the Secretary of State consider whether injunctive-style relief ought to be available so that Ofcom can act urgently when circumstances require? Will she discuss with Ofcom whether X has done a proper risk assessment?
Minister reply
I will ask to see X’s reply to Ofcom on what action it had taken and whether it is making the proper risk assessments as quickly as possible.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Question
What role does she think is being played by tens of thousands of pounds taken by some from Musk’s disinformation and child porn generator in spouting false claims that this welcome Government action is about free speech?
Minister reply
This is all about upholding British values and British law, not restricting freedom of speech. Reform wants the Online Safety Act 2023 to be scrapped, but we need to enable women to participate without feeling bullied or threatened.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that free speech should never extend to creating and sharing sexual abuse material of children or women? Does she agree that it is the responsibility of platforms?
Minister reply
Non-consensual intimate images of women bloodied and bruised, women in bikinis, and child sexual abuse are not freedom of speech—they are abuse.
Warrington North
Question
If non-consensual deepfake pornography and child sex abuse imagery is not the red line for the Government to take their communications elsewhere, what would be?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend and I discussed this matter just last week. We need to get our views and voices out on a whole range of other platforms, but we will keep the issue under review.
Chichester
Question
Does the Secretary of State have full faith that Ofcom will enforce the Online Safety Act in light of this slow and inadequate response to child sexual abuse material being produced by Grok?
Minister reply
I am sure that Ofcom will hear loud and clear my comments and others that we expect the law of the land to be upheld and enforced swiftly.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
Question
Congratulates the Secretary of State on her response to the AI deepfake issue. Raises concerns about the rapid evolution of technology and how regulation lags behind, questioning the effectiveness of existing legislation like the Online Safety Act in this context.
Minister reply
Responds by acknowledging the speed at which technology evolves and expresses a willingness to consider more flexible approaches to regulation.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
Asks if the Secretary of State will add AI responses to user prompts under the definition of user-generated content in the Online Safety Act. Also requests a meeting to discuss concerns about livestreaming risks for children.
Minister reply
Agrees to meet with Kirsty Blackman to discuss her evidence and proposals regarding these issues.
Jess Asato
Lab
Lowestoft
Question
Welcomes the ban on nudification apps, expresses concern about AI being used to humiliate women. Proposes introducing AI watermarking alongside user consent mechanisms.
Minister reply
Agrees to meet with Jess Asato to further discuss these ideas.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Question
Welcomes the statement but asks about enforcement of a potential ban, including measures against using VPNs.
Minister reply
Responds that enforcement mechanisms are in place through Ofcom's powers under the Online Safety Act. Believes the ban can be effectively enforced without resorting to extreme measures.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State’s actions and asks about addressing AI chatbots, suggesting legislation should support content moderation and stand up to non-free speech advocating Governments.
Minister reply
States that some AI chatbots may be covered by existing legislation but further work is ongoing to address these challenges.
Tiverton and Minehead
Question
Talks about the impact of sexual abuse on children in rural areas, seeking reassurance that resources will be equally distributed.
Minister reply
Emphasises personal commitment to addressing this issue and ensuring all necessary measures are taken.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab/Co-op
Oxford East
Question
Asks the Secretary of State to condemn an organised campaign of intimidation against female staff at Ofcom.
Minister reply
Condemns any form of intimidation and asserts that those involved will not be bullied or cowed.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Question
Asks if protecting women and girls must never be conditional, requesting more action to criminalise deepfake creation.
Minister reply
Agrees with Plaid Cymru’s position and refers back to her statement on actions being taken.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Question
Welcomes the action against online violence but questions staying on X. Asks if Ofcom has sufficient powers, teeth and funding.
Minister reply
Believes Ofcom does have necessary powers and funding, but acknowledges need for monitoring technological developments.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
Asks about reviewing the ban on social media for under-16s in light of evidence from Australia.
Minister reply
States that banning social media for under-16s is not currently policy but will review evidence, considering mental health impacts and youth opinions.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Question
Presses on implementation timelines for Ofcom investigations and fines against non-compliant platforms.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of swift timelines and enforcement, emphasising existing powers under the Online Safety Act.
Liz Jarvis
LD
Eastleigh
Question
Having read accounts of women who have had their image manipulated by Grok AI, I am dismayed by attempts by some to try to twist this into an argument about suppressing free speech. It is abuse and it is illegal. I welcome the news that the Government will criminalise nudification apps, but does the Minister agree that—as Elon Musk has so far refused to take any responsibility or to recognise the severity of online harms, and is unlikely to be bothered by the threat of fines—the only way to stop this abuse is to block access to X in the UK now?
Minister reply
I hope I have made clear my position on that, on the legislation and on my expectations, but I am more than happy to discuss it further with the hon. Lady.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for standing up for women and children with conviction and dedication, and with no ifs, no buts. I share that dedication. As a member of the Women and Equalities Committee, I supported our inquiry into non-consensual intimate image abuse. Witnesses told us that one of the most damaging aspects of that form of abuse was the length of time the images remained on those platforms. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that all these images and deepfakes are removed from the internet as quickly as possible?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is another amazing campaigner on these issues. She is right to raise the issue of speed. I think I am correct in saying that the legislation expects platforms, when they know that this material is there, to take it down swiftly.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Lagan Valley
Question
I welcome the actions outlined by the Secretary of State today. Nearly 10 years ago, Molly Rose Russell died as a result of suicide from content she had seen online. In Northern Ireland, one of the world’s most prolific paedophiles operated with ease online. We already know the risks here. Will the Secretary of State make sure that devolved regions are not left behind in our attempts to tackle this global scourge?
Minister reply
I will do anything I can to ensure that this is sorted in every part of our proud United Kingdom. If the hon. Lady has further ideas, I hope she will write to me about them, because I am keen to see them.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Darlington
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s swift action—all power to her. Long before this Grok app was invented, I met a father whose daughter had taken her own life after an overly sexualised fake image was circulated of her at school. That is the impact of these unregulated actions by anonymous people. Will the Secretary of State please use this opportunity to highlight the fact that creating, facilitating, hosting and sharing such images is against the law, and that no VPN or amount of money will prevent people from facing the full force of the law in this country?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The legislation is clear: it is illegal to share or attempt to share. It will be illegal to create or attempt to create. The nudification apps will be banned, too. We are crystal clear: VPNs or not, the platforms have to make sure that their duties under the law are fulfilled.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Question
I have been contacted by a significant number of constituents, who are appalled that Grok and X are being used to create and then disseminate child sexual abuse. One issue that they have raised is the length of time it has taken us to act, as opposed to other countries. Malaysia and Indonesia have already banned these platforms. Is the Secretary of State not concerned about the fact that it took Ofcom a week to launch an investigation?
Minister reply
Patience is not my greatest virtue. I want us to act faster and more firmly, and I am sure that that message will be heard loud and clear by Ofcom and by X, which has the power to sort this out now.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Bournemouth West
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s serious and rapid action to tackle non-consensual sexual deepfakes on social media, which we know have generated child sexual abuse images and have been weaponised to abuse and silence women, including many in the House. We also know that AI’s capabilities are growing and it is becoming more widespread. How are the Government monitoring these evolving AI models to prevent them from causing harm in the future?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to the last Government for establishing the AI Security Institute, because, as my hon. Friend will know, it is a world leader. Its job is to monitor in depth, working in partnership with those companies, the harms that are there. I am in regular contact with the institute, which I think is very important.
Chelmsford
Question
I welcome the statement, but an idea has been advanced by some that X moving Grok to a premium service somehow means that those at X are blinking, and I think that is for the birds. I think it was a deliberate strategy on the part of those at X to create a content generation tool that is disgusting but that drove up demand, to wait until the demand reached a critical mass, and then to make it a premium product so that it could make money from it. X is continuing to make money from violence against women and girls, which is what this is: it cannot be denied.
Minister reply
Other countries have different legislative systems. I believe that our Online Safety Act 2023, along with the other measures that I have mentioned, is one of the most comprehensive ways of addressing this issue.
Sarah Russell
Lab
Congleton
Question
The overwhelming majority of child sexual abuse imagery produced online is still, very sadly, produced by children themselves, who have been groomed by adults in order to do so. What steps will the Government take to ensure that there are device-level protections to prevent children from taking and sharing nude images of themselves?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend has raised a really important issue, which I am happy to discuss with her further. What she says is exactly what is happening in this country.
Shadow Comment
Julia Lopez
Shadow Comment
We support the Government’s stance on nudification tools but question their approach. Existing laws should be enforced proportionately and AI companies must prevent misuse before deployment through rigorous testing. Banning X was an extreme proposal, raising concerns about government power in the internet age. There is a legal grey area with some imagery not crossing criminal thresholds, making enforcement choices difficult. Raising the digital age of consent to 16 could mitigate risks to children, and clarity on geopolitical consequences from blocking X is needed.
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