Britain’s media regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform over allegations that its Grok AI was used to generate illegal sexualised images, including non-consensual deepfakes and content involving children.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Britain’s communications watchdog has opened a formal investigation into X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, over reports that its Grok artificial intelligence tool was used to generate illegal sexualised imagery.
The regulator, Ofcom, said Monday that it is examining whether X has complied with its legal obligations under the Online Safety Act to protect users in the United Kingdom from illegal content. The watchdog said the move follows what it described as “deeply concerning” reports involving Grok’s image-generation capabilities, according to an official statement.
Ofcom, which was granted enforcement powers under legislation passed during the previous Conservative government, can impose penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global revenue, and in extreme cases can seek to block platforms entirely in the UK.
“Reports of Grok being used to create and share illegal non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material on X have been deeply concerning,” an Ofcom spokesperson said. “Platforms must protect people in the UK from content that’s illegal in the UK, and we won’t hesitate to investigate where we suspect companies are failing in their duties, especially where there’s a risk of harm to children.”
“We’ll progress this investigation as a matter of the highest priority, while ensuring we follow due process,” the spokesperson added. “As the UK’s independent online safety enforcement agency, it’s important we make sure our investigations are legally robust and fairly decided.”
The investigation follows controversy earlier this month after users discovered that Grok could be used to manipulate images of fully clothed women into sexualised depictions, including fabricated bikini images. Additional reports indicated the AI tool was also being used to generate sexualised images of children. In response, X restricted Grok’s image-generation features to paid users and implemented technical blocks to prevent the creation of explicit images involving minors.
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said those steps were insufficient, stating Friday that it was “an insult and totally unacceptable for Grok to still allow this if you’re willing to pay for it.” Kendall said the Labour government would support an outright ban on X if the platform fails to comply with the requirements of the Online Safety Act.
Musk has sharply criticised the UK government’s response, accusing it of authoritarian behavior and claiming officials are seeking an “excuse” to ban his platform. He has repeatedly clashed with the Labour government over free speech, arguing that Britain’s legal environment is excessively restrictive, with thousands of arrests each year for online speech.
The billionaire has also criticised the UK government’s immigration policies and publicly pressured officials to open a full inquiry into the Pakistani Muslim grooming gang scandal, alleging political failures to protect vulnerable girls.
U.S. Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers questioned the Labour government’s stance on safeguarding women and children, highlighting past responses to the grooming scandal in a post that cited remarks from a former Labour leader on Peterborough City Council who had referred to victims as “poor white trash.”
U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said in a separate post that she plans to introduce legislation to sanction the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer if X is banned, arguing the move would reflect a “political war against Elon Musk and free speech” rather than genuine concern for safety.
Meanwhile, UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said he discussed the issue with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, telling the Guardian in an interview that both agreed it was “entirely unacceptable” for Grok to generate sexualised deepfake imagery.
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