In January 2026, deepfake technology has sparked international outrage, with the UK government openly considering a ban on the X platform (formerly Twitter) due to its AI tool Grok enabling widespread creation of non-consensual explicit images. This controversy, involving deepfakes of women, celebrities, and disturbingly children, has led to threats of blocking access in the UK, investigations in the EU and India, and restrictions in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
From the viewpoint of an average Sri Lankan, a parent scrolling Facebook, a young professional on Instagram, or a teacher sharing class photos these developments feel both distant and alarmingly close. We use similar AI tools for fun edits or memes, but the ease of turning innocent images into harmful content raises fears. In our communities, where social reputation matters deeply, a fake image can destroy lives overnight. The global backlash underscores a shared concern: technology is advancing faster than safeguards, leaving ordinary people vulnerable.
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The Rapid Evolution of Deepfakes and Their Everyday Impact
Just a few years ago, creating fake images required Photoshop skills and time. Now, AI models like those integrated into platforms such as X can generate realistic deepfakes with simple text prompts, often in seconds. No technical expertise needed, just malicious intent.
For regular citizens in Sri Lanka, this means anyone’s photo from social media can be altered without consent. Women rejecting advances face revenge deepfakes; children’s school pictures get misused. Parents hesitate to post family moments, fearing they could be twisted. Small business owners using profile pics for promotions worry about credibility if fakes circulate.
The realism fools even careful eyes. In our society, many.. especially older generations or those less familiar with tech, believe what they see. A circulated deepfake leads to gossip, judgment, and isolation before truth emerges, if it ever does.
Victim Blaming Persists Despite Technological Culprits
Tragically, blame often falls on victims. “Why post photos online?” or “She should be more careful” are common refrains. This ignores the real issue: perpetrators using powerful tools irresponsibly, enabled by lax platform controls.
In Sri Lanka’s cultural context, honour and modesty carry weight. A deepfake can cost jobs, marriages, or social standing. Women and girls bear the brunt, facing harassment or withdrawal from public life. Even children suffer bullying or long-term trauma from altered innocent images.
Average people feel this injustice keenly. Posting a photo to celebrate achievements, connect with family abroad, or build networks should not invite violation. Yet societal reactions amplify harm, deterring victims from seeking help.
Global Response Highlights Urgent Need for Accountability
The recent Grok controversy on X has intensified calls for action. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated a platform ban remains “on the table,” with ministers urging regulator Ofcom to use full powers against non-consensual deepfakes. The government criticized X’s response, limiting some features to paid users as insufficient and “insulting to victims.”
Other nations echo concerns: Indonesia blocked access to Grok, Malaysia raised similar restrictions, India and the EU launched probes, and Ireland called for immediate suspension. France widened investigations into explicit content involving minors.
These steps resonate with ordinary users worldwide, including in Sri Lanka. We see platforms prioritizing features over safety, allowing harm to scale globally. If governments intervene with bans or blocks, it signals that unchecked AI misuse has consequences, but also risks limiting access to useful tools.
Tech Giants’ Role: Capability Exists, But Will Is Lacking
Companies building AI empires demonstrate incredible innovation: editing complex work in minutes, generating art or videos instantly. The same technology could implement robust filters detecting non-consensual prompts, blocking explicit alterations of real faces, or requiring verification.
Yet responses often come only after scandals. X’s lighter moderation allows broader generation, arguing for free expression. But when this enables harm, especially to vulnerable groups, average citizens question priorities.
In less tech-savvy populations like Sri Lanka’s, unrestricted tools feel particularly dangerous. Many learn of risks too late, after falling for scams or seeing fakes spread. Proactive safeguards default blocks on identifiable deepfakes, watermarks, or ethical guardrails seem feasible and necessary.
Building Better Habits: Education and Empathy from Home
Technology fixes alone aren’t enough; human behaviour drives misuse. Parents and schools must instill respect for privacy and consent early, teaching that altering someone’s image without permission is wrong, regardless of gender.
In Sri Lankan families, discussions should go beyond “be careful online” to “treat others’ dignity with care.” Schools incorporating digital ethics, explaining deepfakes, recognizing fakes, supporting victims would empower youth.
Community campaigns in local languages could raise awareness, helping adults spot manipulations and shift from judgment to empathy.
A Call for Balanced Progress in the Digital Age
The 2026 deepfakes crisis, amplified by global threats like the UK’s potential X ban, shows technology’s double edge. Convenience coexists with risk, innovation with potential abuse.
For everyday Sri Lankans, the priority is safety: feeling secure posting photos, trusting platforms won’t enable harm. Stronger regulations, ethical AI design, and cultural shifts toward accountability can address this.
Victims deserve support, not blame. Perpetrators and enablers must face consequences. As citizens, we advocate for tools that enhance life without endangering dignity. The future of AI should protect the vulnerable, fostering trust across societies from Colombo suburbs to global networks.
When technology respects humanity, progress benefits everyone. Until then, vigilance and demand for change remain our best defenses.
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