Blimey, here we go – another day, another Labour lunacy straight from the nanny-state playbook!
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall – fresh from her pulpit in the Commons – has declared war on AI, announcing that the government will "seek to make it illegal for companies to supply the tools designed to create such images." "Such images"? We're talking non-consensual deepfakes, the kind that's got the moral panic brigade frothing over Grok on X. But let's call this what it is: a ham-fisted power grab that's about as effective as banning knives to stop buttering toast.
Labour's painting this as a noble crusade against "weapons of abuse" – activating bits of the Data (Use and Access) Act to criminalise creating or requesting intimate deepfakes. Fine, nail the pervs abusing the tech. But banning the tools themselves? That's like outlawing hammers because someone might smash a window. It's overreach on steroids, and it'll backfire spectacularly.
First off, the hysteria over Grok and X is wildly misplaced. Some idiots have used Grok to whip up dodgy images – including the vile child abuse stuff that's rightly got everyone riled. But singling out Elon Musk's playground? Give me strength. Other platforms – Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, even bog-standard apps on Google or Apple – have been churning out similar illegal images for years. Why the laser focus on X? Because Musk's a thorn in the establishment's side, that's why. Labour's virtue-signalling at the expense of one US giant while ignoring the rest is hypocritical hogwash.
And here's the real kicker: any outright ban on X or Grok services in the UK will be met with swift sanctions from the USA. Uncle Sam doesn't take kindly to foreign governments muzzling American tech titans – remember the TikTok rows? Elon'll have his mates in Washington slapping tariffs or trade barriers faster than you can say "free speech." Labour's playing with fire, risking a transatlantic spat that could hammer UK exports and investment. Brilliant strategy, folks – alienate our biggest ally over a few pixels.
But wait, it gets worse. These proposed rule changes on AI aren't just daft; they're economic poison. Banning "tools designed to create such images" will, in effect, halt AI investment in the UK dead in its tracks. Who in their right mind would pour billions into British AI firms if the government's lurking with a ban hammer? We're already lagging behind the US and China – this'll send startups fleeing to friendlier shores like Singapore or Silicon Valley. Growth? Forget it – hello, tech exodus.
And don't think it'll stop at AI generators. This slippery slope will slop over into every creative tool under the sun:
- Photoshop and editing software: Adobe's got layers that could "create" dodgy images – ban that too?
- Art apps and digital drawing tools: Anything with a brush or filter could be twisted for ill – say goodbye to Procreate or Clip Studio.
- Even pencil and paper: Extreme? You bet, but once you start policing "tools designed to create," where's the line? Ban charcoal sketches because someone might draw something naughty?
- Basic photo apps on your phone: Filters, crops, AI enhancements – all could fall foul if Labour's zealots get their way.
This isn't protection; it's prohibition-era stupidity, stifling innovation, creativity, and free expression to chase a phantom fix for online nasties. Existing laws already cover abuse – enforce them, don't nuke the toolbox.
Labour promised tech-savvy governance. What we've got is Luddite lunacy from Kendall and co, virtue-signalling their way to a self-inflicted recession. Resign? Damn right – before they drag the UK back to the Stone Age.
Stay vigilant, folks. Shield your digital freedoms, diversify your tools, and laugh at the next "expert" who says this'll work.
Amazon Suggested Reads – Defend Your Tech from the Nanny State
- “The AI Purge” – how governments kill innovation (affiliate link)
- “Free Speech vs. Big Brother” – surviving the censorship wave
- “Tech Exile: Why Innovators Flee the UK” – essential escape plans
Ken Frost
Professional Cynic, Chartered Accountant and unrepentant Loanbuster
www.kenfrost.net – fighting the fiscal and digital fascists since 2005
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