Daily Politics from the New Statesman Keir Starmer: Grok imagery “disgraceful”
Jan 13, 2026
Keir Starmer takes a stand against Elon Musk's platform, challenging the circulation of AI-generated intimate images. The UK government is stepping in to legislate against non-consensual imagery, raising questions about free speech and tech power. The panel discusses Musk's influence in geopolitics and how Big Tech has become akin to nation-states. They also examine the tensions between protecting users and the government's potential intervention, alongside the public's outrage that is pushing for swift action.
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State Vs Silicon Valley
- The UK is testing Silicon Valley's platform logic by holding X accountable for AI-generated illegal content.
- Keir Starmer frames enforcement as necessary escalation from requests to fines to potential court orders.
Dormant Law Brought Into Force
- The government activated a dormant law to make creating AI deepfakes explicitly unlawful.
- Liz Kendall brought the relevant part of the law into force so Ofcom gains stronger enforcement powers.
Force Regulators To Act
- Do expect the government to pressure Ofcom to use its new powers rather than rely on symbolic gestures.
- Policymakers want action that visibly shows they can change the law and enforce it.