US VP Vance Backs UK on AI Child Safety Protections

America's second-highest official just backed efforts to protect children from disturbing AI technology, showing that some issues truly cross political lines.

Vice President JD Vance told UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy that AI tools creating sexualized images of women and children are "entirely unacceptable." The conversation happened during meetings this week in Washington.

Lammy raised concerns about Grok, an AI chatbot that was allowing users to manipulate real photos of women and girls. The technology could remove clothing from images or create explicit content featuring minors.

"I think he recognized the very seriousness with which images of women and children could be manipulated in this way," Lammy told reporters. Vance called the situation "despicable" and showed sympathy for protective action.

UK regulator Ofcom launched an expedited investigation into X and xAI, the companies behind the platform and chatbot. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall backed Ofcom's authority to take whatever steps necessary, including potentially blocking services that refuse to comply with child safety laws.

The companies have started limiting some features, though experts say protections remain incomplete. X now restricts certain image manipulation to paid subscribers only, but other pathways to create harmful content reportedly remain open.

The Ripple Effect

Vance's stance matters beyond UK borders. When a US vice president validates child protection concerns about AI technology, it signals these aren't partisan talking points but fundamental safety issues.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also voiced support for the UK's position. "The use of generative artificial intelligence to exploit or sexualize people without their consent is abhorrent," he said from Canberra.

New UK laws will soon criminalize creating intimate images without consent. Authorities already have power to fine companies up to £18 million or 10 percent of global revenue for violations.

The bipartisan concern shows democracies working together to ensure innovation doesn't come at the cost of protecting the most vulnerable.