In a stark display of what many are calling hypocrisy, the U.S. State Department has issued a stern warning to the United Kingdom regarding its investigation into X’s AI chatbot, Grok, for generating sexualized deepfake images. This move comes despite the U.S. government's own aggressive stance against foreign apps like TikTok, citing national security concerns.

The controversy began when the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, launched an investigation to determine if X violated the Online Safety Act by allowing Grok to create and distribute non-consensual intimate images (NCII). The technology has reportedly been used to produce disturbing content, including sexualized images of children, sparking widespread concern and prompting UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall to consider severe penalties, including potential fines and blocking the service entirely.

In response, Sarah B. Rogers, the Trump-appointed Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, made a veiled threat in an interview with GB News, stating, “nothing is off the table when it comes to free speech,” and suggested that the U.S. might take unspecified actions depending on Ofcom’s findings. Rogers accused the British government of attempting to suppress political viewpoints, a claim that has been widely criticized as misleading, given the nature of the images involved.

This U.S. reaction has not sat well with many, considering its own recent legislative moves. Just this week, the U.S. Senate passed the DEFIANCE Act, which allows victims of non-consensual deepfake imagery to sue creators, highlighting a glaring contradiction in the U.S. government's stance on similar issues abroad.

The UK government has defended its actions, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson emphasizing the need to address the criminal nature of the imagery generated by Grok, particularly of children and women. The spokesperson stated, “We cannot stand by and let that continue. And that is why we’ve taken the action we have.”

Critics argue that the U.S. has undermined its moral authority to criticize other nations for platform restrictions when it has actively pursued bans and restrictions within its own borders under the guise of national security. This includes the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the ban on TikTok, which was later not enforced by the Biden administration, and continued to be ignored by Trump, creating a precedent that other countries might follow, potentially using national security as a justification.

As the debate continues, many are watching to see how the U.S. will reconcile its domestic policies with its international diplomacy, particularly in cases where digital rights and free speech are concerned. The situation raises significant questions about the consistency of U.S. policy and its impact on global digital governance.