Starmer Says X Is Moving To Comply With UK Law After Backlash Over Grok Deepfakes
Sir Keir Starmer has said Elon Musk’s social media platform X is taking steps to comply with UK law after a wave of sexualised deepfake images created using its AI tool, Grok.
The images, which were widely shared on X, sparked outrage after women whose photos were manipulated said the experience was humiliating and dehumanising. The controversy led regulator Ofcom to open an investigation this week into whether the platform has breached UK safety rules.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir said he had been updated on the situation and made it clear that the government would not ease pressure on the company. He described the images produced by Grok as “disgusting” and “shameful”, and criticised X for turning parts of its AI image-editing tool into a paid feature.
Responding to a question from Labour MP Emily Darlington, he told MPs: "I have been informed this morning that X is acting to ensure full compliance with UK law. If so, that is welcome, but we're not going to back down, and they must act. We will take the necessary measures. We will strengthen existing laws and prepare for legislation if it needs to go further, and Ofcom will continue its independent investigation."
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said Ofcom would have full backing from ministers regarding the findings of its investigation, including the option of effectively banning X in the UK if it fails to act. She also condemned the company for what she called “monetising abuse” by restricting some uses of Grok to paying subscribers.
X has previously pointed to a message posted by its safety account, which said: "Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content." New legislation making it a criminal offence to create or ask for non-consensual intimate images is expected to come into force in the UK this week, following the outcry over Grok.
Sir Keir also criticised Reform UK for defending Elon Musk, saying it was “astonishing”.
"I said the images are disgusting, their position is disgusting on this. This is weaponising images of women and children that should never be made." Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said the images are “horrible in every way” but argued that banning X would threaten free speech.
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has the power to fine platforms up to 10% of their global revenue or £18m if they fail to stop illegal content. In extreme cases, it can seek court approval to block a service in the UK.
