X could 'lose right to self regulate', says Starmer

Government to Enforce Ban on "Nudification" Tools Amid Grok AI Controversy

The UK government is to fast-track legislation making it a criminal offence to produce non-consensual intimate images, following widespread alarm over Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot. Speaking with Labour MPs on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer issued a stark warning to X (formerly Twitter), suggesting the platform may lose its "right to self-regulate" if it fails to curb the creation of illicit content. "If X cannot control Grok, we will," the Prime Minister said, adding that the government would respond swiftly to the situation.

New Criminal Offences

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced in the House of Commons that the Data (Use and Access) Act, which criminalises the design or requesting of deepfake intimate images, will be brought into force this week. Although passed in June 2025, the government had faced criticism for "dragging its heels" on enforcement.

Ms Kendall also designated the creation of such images a "priority offence" under the Online Safety Act. She described AI-generated photos of women and children in states of undress as "weapons of abuse" rather than harmless pictures.

Ofcom Investigation and Potential Sanctions

The move comes as the media regulator, Ofcom, launched an investigation into X following "deeply troubling allegations" that Grok is being used to alter images of individuals without consent. Under the Online Safety Act, the regulator has significant powers:

• Fines: Up to 10% of global turnover or £18 million, whichever is greater.

   

• Service Blocking: Ofcom can seek a court order to require internet service providers to block access to X in the UK entirely if the platform remains non-compliant.

Ms Kendall urged the regulator to set a deadline as soon as possible, rather than allowing the probe to last "months and months."

Targeting the Source

The government also plans to expand the Crime and Policing Bill to target "nudification" applications specifically. This will make it a criminal offence for businesses to sell software or equipment designed primarily to produce non-consensual intimate photographs.

"The platforms that host such content must be held accountable," Ms Kendall stated. "We expect technology firms to implement Ofcom’s guidance on making websites safer for women and girls without delay. I am prepared to go further if they do not."

Reaction and Free Speech Concerns

Responding to the investigation on X, Elon Musk suggested the UK government was looking for "any excuse for censorship." Ms Kendall refuted this, stating the measures were about "combating violence against women and girls," not restricting freedom of expression.

While the opposition welcomed the crackdown on nudification technology, Shadow Technology Minister Julia Lopez criticised Ms Kendall’s suggestion that the platform could be blocked. Ms Lopez described such a move as "monumental" against a forum that allows for the "free exchange of ideas," noting that while criminals use the internet, the government has not previously moved to ban entire platforms.

The BBC has seen numerous examples on X of digitally altered photographs where women were placed in sexual positions without permission, with one victim reporting that over 100 such images of her had been circulated.