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Harrogate MP presses Government on X user bans

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 10:38

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has challenged the Government on how any ban on social media platform X would be enforced.

The Liberal Democrat MP has made it clear to ministers that if a ban is imposed, it must be “watertight and not undermined by loopholes or VPNs.”

The Government has indicated it could ban X under the UK’s online safety laws following reports that the platform’s Grok AI tool generated indecent images of women and children.

Ofcom is investigating, and ministers have said they will support the regulator if it decides to proceed with a ban.

Tom said:

“X has shown a blatant disregard for safety, repeatedly putting users at serious risk. Ofcom is right to consider banning the platform, but with any ban must come enforceability.

“The Government needs a clear plan to make any ban watertight. That means closing loopholes, stopping VPN workarounds, and ensuring harmful content cannot simply resurface elsewhere.

“I’m pushing for the Government to set out concrete steps and give Ofcom the tools it needs to enforce the rules effectively. This is about solving the problem, not shifting it.”

Speaking in Parliament, Tom pressed ministers on how they would prevent users from bypassing potential restrictions through VPNs and other workarounds.

He warned that any ban must be comprehensive and close loopholes to stop harmful content from continuing to circulate.

Tom made clear that while a ban should be considered, it should only happen alongside concrete measures to make it effective.

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