Ofcom Investigates X over Grok AI Tool Being Used To Create Sexualised Images
UK media regulator Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X, focusing on concerns that its AI tool Grok is being used to generate sexualised images of women and children.
Ofcom said it had received “deeply concerning reports” that Grok was being used to create and share non-consensual images, including undressed and manipulated pictures of real people. The watchdog is now examining whether X acted quickly enough to remove illegal content once it became aware of it, and whether it took proper steps to stop UK users from seeing it.
The regulator contacted X last week and gave the company a firm deadline to explain how it was meeting its duties under the Online Safety Act. X responded on time, and Ofcom has since carried out what it described as an expedited review of the evidence. The investigation is now being treated as a top priority.
If Ofcom finds that X has broken the law, it could face a fine of up to 10% of its global revenue or £18 million, whichever is higher. In extreme cases, the regulator could seek a court order forcing internet providers to block access to X in the UK.
Government ministers have signalled strong backing for Ofcom. Business secretary Peter Kyle said: “Let me be really clear about X: X is not doing enough to keep its customers safe online.” He also called it “appalling” that Grok had not been properly tested before being rolled out.
Kyle described meeting a victim of AI image manipulation, saying: “The fact that I met just yesterday a Jewish woman who has found her image of herself in a bikini outside of Auschwitz being generated by AI and put online made me feel sick to my stomach.”
Technology secretary Liz Kendall is expected to update MPs in the Commons later on Monday. Downing Street has already criticised X’s decision to restrict image generation to paying subscribers, saying this simply turns a tool capable of creating illegal images into a premium feature.
Ministers have said they would support Ofcom even if it concludes that X should be blocked in the UK, though the Conservatives have argued that a ban would not be the right response.
The move comes amid wider international backlash. Malaysia and Indonesia temporarily blocked access to Grok over the weekend, while potential UK action has drawn criticism from figures in the US, including claims that it would amount to censorship.
Elon Musk has previously accused the UK government of looking for “any excuse for censorship” and has urged Britons to “fight back” against what he portrays as hostility to free speech.
