Sir Keir Starmer has threatened Elon Musk over the “absolutely disgusting” actions of X as Ofcom investigates the social media platform over sexualised images made by its AI chatbot Grok.
Addressing a meeting of backbenchers at the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday evening, the prime minister warned: “If X cannot control Grok, we will – and we’ll do it fast because if you profit from harm and abuse, you lose the right to self-regulate.”
His threats come after the UK’s communications regulator announced that it has launched a formal investigation into whether X has complied with British laws over reports that Grok created and shared sexualised images of children.
Meanwhile, technology secretary Liz Kendall has announced that creating or requesting to create non-consensual intimate images will become a criminal offence this week, after legislation on it was passed last year.
In a statement given in the Commons on Monday evening, Ms Kendall labelled AI-generated images of women “tied up and gagged, with bruises, covered in blood and much, much more” as being “weapons of abuse”.
The government will also criminalise apps that allow users to create fake nude images of people, she pledged.
Key points
- Starmer warns Musk: 'If X cannot control Grok, we will'
- Creating non-consensual intimate images will become criminal offence from this week, Kendall says
- Technology secretary labels sexualised images 'weapons of abuse'
- Government to criminalise apps that allow users to create nude fake images of people, Kendall says
- Ofcom launches investigation into X following 'deeply concerning' reports
Full story: Starmer issues ultimatum to Musk vowing ‘fast action’ from government to end Grok abuse on X
20:00 , Tara CobhamKeir Starmer has issued an ultimatum to Elon Musk announcing that the government will take “fast action” to deal with the abuses of Grok, the AI tool on X.
The prime minister revealed his intentions to the weekly meeting of the Labour Parliamentary Party (PLP) on a day that Ofcom launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X after its AI tool Grok was used to generate sexualised images of women and children.
Sir Keir told MPs and peers: “The actions of Grok and X are absolutely disgusting and shameful. Protecting their abusive users, rather than the women and children who are being abused shows a total distortion of priorities.
Read the full story here:
Ofcom launches probe into Musk’s X after outcry over sexualised AI images
Starmer warns Musk: 'If X cannot control Grok, we will'
19:29 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer told Labour MPs that if Elon Musk’s social media site X cannot control its AI chatbot Grok, “we will”.
Addressing a meeting of backbenchers at the Parliamentary Labour Party, he said: “The actions of Grok and X are absolutely disgusting and shameful.
“Protecting their abusive users, rather than the women and children who are being abused shows a total distortion of priorities.
“So let me be crystal clear, we won’t stand for it, because no matter how unstable or complex the world becomes, this Government will be guided by its values. We’ll stand up for the vulnerable against the powerful.
“If X cannot control Grok, we will – and we’ll do it fast because if you profit from harm and abuse, you lose the right to self regulate.”
Full story: Sexualised images created by Grok ‘weapons of abuse’, Kendall says
19:20 , Tara CobhamSexualised images created by AI chatbot Grok are “weapons of abuse”, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has said, as she told MPs that creating non-consensual intimate images will become a criminal offence from this week.
It comes as media watchdog Ofcom has launched an investigation into whether Elon Musk’s social media platform X has breached UK law over reports that Grok was used to create and share sexualised images of children.
Ms Kendall labelled AI-generated images of women “tied up and gagged, with bruises, covered in blood and much, much more” as being “weapons of abuse”.
Read the full story here:
Sexualised images created by Grok ‘weapons of abuse’ – Kendall
Watch: Making non-consensual sexualised images will be made a criminal offence, says Liz Kendall
19:00 , Tara CobhamTories accuses government of 'appendage swinging' over potential X ban
18:40 , Tara CobhamThe Conservatives accused the government of “appendage swinging” over a potential ban of X after its AI chatbot Grok allowing the creation of non-consensual intimate images.
Shadow technology secretary Julia Lopez welcomed action taken by Ofcom, and said her party supported the Government on nudification tools.
However she accused the government of “soft back peddling” over a purported ban, in part of her speech that was met with cries of “shame”.
Ms Lopez said: “The government’s appendage swinging over the weekend was extremely serious. Ministers mooted as an urgent remedy the banning of a site of 21 million monthly users in this country, despite another minister guffawing that banning X was conspiracy theory number 3627.”
She said despite the internet being used by criminals, websites have not been banned before. She continued: “It is an extraordinarily serious move against a platform that can be used for good, for uncovering scandal, sparking democratic revolution, and allow day-to-day the free exchange of ideas, including ideas we don’t like.”
Ms Lopez said taking action on X could lead to regulators not pursuing other abhorrent and dangerous crimes. She added: “(Ms Kendall) has said the Government is as determined to ensure women and girls are safe online as we are to ensure that they are safe in the real world.
“To this end, will she be ensuring that the government enforces against itself for its failure to advance the rape gang inquiry. Its failure to stop puberty-blocking trials, its failure to implement single-sex spaces, its inability to deport illegal migrants who have committed sex offences.”
Comment: If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
18:20 , Harriette BoucherAs women abandon X because of its use to generate non-consensual sexual imagery, the danger is not just what happens to those who stay, but what happens when abusers are left alone on the platform, says Olivia Petter.
If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
'Offering premium service that strips women and girls is new low for X and Musk,' baroness says
17:44 , Tara CobhamBaroness Kidron has said that “offering a premium service that strips women and girls to bikinis is a new low for X and (Elon) Musk”.
The independent crossbench peer, who founded the non-governmental organisation 5Rights which looks at the impact of technology on children, continued: “It is time to introduce minimum standards of terms of service in the UK that includes meeting our standards and values as set out in online safety and data legislation.
“Winning a race or playing in the garden and posting an image, ending up as child sexual abuse, violence abuse is an affront.
“I have called on government to either use Online Safety Act or fill a gap if they cannot. We need enforcement to move fast.”
Lady Kidron also said: “There is no reason to invent a technical way to strip women. That is abhorrent.”
Lady Kidron sat in a side gallery to watch Technology Secretary Liz Kendall make a statement on “non-consensual sexual deepfakes” in the Commons.
Ofcom must reach a solution quickly, says law professor
17:42 , Harriette BoucherA leading expert on violence against women and girls has said that while Ofcom’s investigation is “very welcome”, it is vital that it reaches a quick solution so X’s Grok can no longer produce this material.
Speaking to The Independent, Durham University law professor Clare McGlynn said: “I think some of that discussion about the ban is in some ways a distraction. What Ofcom and the government need to focus on is just trying to get the changes that are needed on the ground without trying to wage war on the platform.
“The most important thing is the changes on the ground. The arguments, (with) Elon Musk throwing his toys out of the pram and talking about free speech, this whole experience, is women's speech being hindered. I find it really ironic that Musk talks about him being the protector of free speech when he's the one who has been shutting it down.”
Government to criminalise apps that allow users to create nude fake images of people, Kendall says
17:26 , Tara CobhamThe government will criminalise apps which allow users to create nude fake images of people, Liz Kendall told the Commons.
The technology secretary said: “I can today confirm that we will build on all the measures I have already outlined and legislate in the Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, to criminalise nudification apps.
“This new criminal offence will make it make it illegal for companies to supply tools designed to create non-consensual internet images, targeting the problem at its source.”
She later said that the government’s actions were “not as some would claim about restricting freedom of speech”, adding: “It is about tackling violence against women and girls, it’s about upholding basic British values of decency and respect and ensuring the standards we expect offline are upheld online, and it is about exercising our sovereign power and responsibility to uphold the laws of this land.”
The government “will of course keep our participation on X under review”, Ms Kendall told MPs.
However, she also appeared to suggest ministers saw the social media site as a valuable communication tool, adding: “I think it’s also worth bearing in mind, with 19 million people on X in this country, and more than a quarter of them saying that they use it as their primary source of news, that our views and often simply the facts, need to be heard wherever possible.”
Technology secretary warns Ofcom's investigation into Grok must not take 'months and months'
17:20 , Tara CobhamOfcom’s investigation into Elon Musk’s Grok AI must not take “months and months”, the technology secretary has warned.
Liz Kendall told the Commons: “The Government expects Ofcom to set out a timeline for the investigation as soon as possible. The public, and most importantly the victims of Grok’s activities, expect swift and decisive action. So this must not take months and months.
“But X does not have to wait for the Ofcom investigation to conclude. They can choose to act sooner to ensure this abhorrent and illegal material cannot be shared on their platform. If they do not, Ofcom will have the backing of this Government to use the full powers which Parliament has given them.
“I would remind X and all other platforms that this includes the power to issue fines of up to 10% of the company’s worldwide and qualifying revenue.”
Creating non-consensual intimate images will become criminal offence from this week, Kendall announces
17:03 , Tara CobhamTechnology secretary Liz Kendall has announced that creating or requesting to create non-consensual intimate images will become a criminal offence this week after legislation on it was passed last year.
Ms Kendall said she would make it a “priority offence” in the Online Safety Act.
She told the Commons: “The Data (Use and Access) Act passed last year made it a criminal offence to create or request the creation of non-consensual intimate images, and today I can announce to the House that this offence will be brought into force this week.”
Kendall tells MPs X is 'monetising abuse'
17:02 , Tara CobhamTechnology secretary Liz Kendall has told MPs the social media platform X is “monetising abuse” by making users pay for Grok’s artificial intelligence (AI) image creation function.
She told the Commons: “Last week X limited the image creation function to paid subscribers. This does not go anywhere near far enough.
“It is insulting to victims to say, ‘you can still have this service if you’re willing to pay’, and it is monetising abuse.
“So, let me be crystal clear: under the Online Safety Act sharing intimate images without someone’s consent or threatening to share them, including images of people in their underwear, is a criminal offence for individuals and for platforms.”
Ms Kendall added: “The Data (Use and Access) Act passed last year made it a criminal offence to create or request the creation of non-consensual intimate images, and today I can announce to the House that this offence will be brought into force this week.”
Technology secretary Liz Kendall labels sexualised images 'weapons of abuse'
17:01 , Tara CobhamTechnology secretary Liz Kendall has labelled AI-generated images of women “tied up and gagged, with bruises, covered in blood and much, much more” as being “weapons of abuse”.
Making a statement in the Commons, Ms Kendall said the Internet Watch Foundation “reports criminal imagery of children as young as 11, including girls sexualised and toddlers”.
She continued: “This is child sexual abuse.
“We’ve seen reports of photos being shared of women in bikinis, tied up and gagged, with bruises, covered in blood, and much, much more.
“Lives can and have been devastated by this content which is designed to harass, torment and violate people’s dignity.
“They are not harmless images.
“They’re weapons of abuse, disproportionately aimed at women and girls, and they are illegal.”
Investigation must be 'swift and decisive', campaigners warn
17:01 , Harriette BoucherCampaigners have warned that a delay in Ofcom’s investigation of X will risk further abuse of women and is urging the regulator to act swiftly.
Emma Pickering, from the Refuge charity, said the Government "must tackle the growing threat of technology-facilitated abuse" if it is to achieve its goal of halving violence against women and girls in a decade.
She said: "Ofcom's investigation must be swift and decisive - any delay will leave women at risk of further abuse, while X continues to profit from their objectification and degradation.
"Too often, tech companies are left unchecked, allowing them to act with impunity at the expense of women's safety. To create an online world where women and girls are truly safe, it is crucial that tech companies are held accountable for the harms women and girls experience on their platforms and are required to implement effective safeguards to prevent them.
"Yet, the devastating reality is that many tech platforms are continuing to prioritise profit over the protection of women and girls."
‘I feel violated and dehumanised after X’s Grok AI stripped me naked’
16:35 , Harriette BoucherWomen say they have been left feeling “violated and humiliated” after “dehumanising” images of them have been created by users of Grok AI without their consent.
Evie, 22, who did not wish to share her surname, said she has been bombarded with more than 100 sexualised images of herself in less than a week, including one that digitally stripped her naked.
“I just feel like I’ve been violated,” she told The Independent. “I’m just so shocked there are people out there who can do this – and that there are so many people who will defend it and come up with excuses for this when it’s blatantly a huge violation.”
Read Tara Cobham’s full story here
'What happened with Grok you could do in powerpoint', says Zahawi
16:15 , Harriette BoucherNadhim Zahawi has said that attacking X over its politics is a “dangerous place to be”, as the former Tory chancellor condemned a ban of the social media platform.
Mr Zahawi, who announced his defection to Reform UK on Monday, said: “What happened with Grok you could do in powerpoint.
"Technology is moving fast but what you don’t do is take a heavy handed approach and start banning things....When you start attacking a business just because you don’t agree with the owners politics or stance I think that’s a dangerous place to be.”
Two countries become first to block X over Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok
15:30 , Harriette BoucherMalaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, after authorities said it was being misused to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual images.
The moves reflect growing global concern over generative AI tools that can produce realistic images, sound and text, while existing safeguards fail to prevent their abuse.
The Grok chatbot, which is accessed through Musk’s social media platform X, has been criticized for generating manipulated images, including depictions of women in bikinis or sexually explicit poses, as well as images involving children.
First minister says X 'woefully inadequate' amid Grok AI row
15:10 , Harriette BoucherFirst minister Michelle O'Neill has said X has been "woefully inadequate" in dealing with its issues of sexually explicit image generation.
Ms O'Neill has called for the government to intervene, and believes more conversation needs to be had at a local level.
She said: "It's absolutely disgraceful and disgusting that any social media platform allows this type of illegal content to be created."
The Sinn Fein vice-president said she does continue to use X, but that she will keep her communications "under review".
"Unfortunately the reality is actions of one person will not make a difference, actions in a coordinated way across Governments can make a difference and I think that's the conversation and the space that we're all now in.”
Watch: The controversy that led Elon Musk to restrict X's Grok
14:48 , Harriette BoucherWatch: X users generating sexual images of children as young as 13, says AI watchdog
14:38 , Harriette BoucherIWF urges government to bring in ‘nudification’ tools ban
14:30 , Harriette BoucherThe Internet Watch Foundation has called for the government to bring in the ‘nudification’ tools ban as soon as possible , which would make it illegal to create and supply AI tools that allows users to digitally remove someone’s clothing.
The internet safety organisation said it was also important that the government ensured the ban covered tools such as those enabled by Grok.
Speaking on X’s deepfake row, a spokesperson told The Independent: “From our perspective, this issue highlights the urgent need for AI regulation in the UK.
“Tech companies need to make sure that they are not facilitating the generation of child sexual abuse imagery and should be forced to make sure the products they build and make available to the global public are safe by design.”
Recap: Ofcom launches investigation into X following 'deeply concerning' reports
14:12 , Harriette BoucherOfcom has launched an investigation into X to establish whether X has failed to comply with its legal obligations under the Online Safety Act.
The independent regulator’s announcement follows “deeply concerning” images of Grok, the platform’s AI, being used to create sexually explicit content of women and children.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “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.
“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. As the UK’s independent online safety enforcement agency, it’s important we make sure our investigations are legally robust and fairly decided.”
Will X be banned in the UK and how would it happen?
13:55 , Harriette BoucherElon Musk’s social media platform X is facing an potential ban in the UK as Ofcom launches a formal investigation over whether it has failed to comply with UK law.
The move follows calls from ministers urging Ofcom to use its “full legal powers” over unlawful AI images generated on the site.
The service has faced criticism in recent weeks after declining to fully remove the ability for users to sexually manipulate images of women and children using its built-in AI tool, Grok. X has instead limited the use of this image function to those who pay a monthly fee.
The Independent’s Albert Toth reports:
Downing Street welcomes Ofcom investigation into X
13:38 , Harriette BoucherThe Independent’s Athena Stavrou reports:
Downing Street has welcomed Ofcom’s formal investigation into X and said the watchdog has “our full support to take any action it sees fit”.
The prime minister’s spokesperson said the technology secretary Liz Kendall will update the Commons later today, and added: “We've been clear the content created by Grok in certain circumstances is utterly vile, it s not just an affront to decent society its unlawful… and we won’t hesitate to go further to protect children online and strengthen the law as needed.”
No 10 reiterated that Ofcom has the power to effectively ban services if they refuse to uphold UK law.
When asked if the threats to ban Elon Musk’s social media platform amounted to an attack on free speech, they said: “I don’t accept that at all. Our position on free speech is clear. You had the pm discuss this directly with the president in the oval office in February.
“We’re fully committed to the right to free speech”
No 10 suggests it is open to ban on X
13:14 , Harriette BoucherDowning Street has suggested it is open to a ban on X if the social media giant fails to act on concerns, with a spokesperson saying “all options are on the table”.
Asked whether the Government would leave X, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “Our focus today and over the last week has been fully on protecting children and ensuring this vile content is taken down immediately.
“That is our full focus.
“We are keeping our participation under review, as you would expect, and you will hear more from the Technology Secretary this afternoon.”
He added: “I think we’ve been clear that all options are on the table.”
Badenoch says a ban on X would be the 'wrong answer'
13:01 , Harriette BoucherConservative leader Kemi Badenoch said banning Elon Musk’s X was “the wrong answer” and believed the issue of image generation could be dealt with in a “sensible fashion”.
Speaking before Ofcom announced it was launching a formal investigation into the social media platform, Mrs Badenoch said: “I think banning X is the wrong answer. I’m not even sure what question it is that they’re answering.
“What we are seeing is a Labour Government that did not have a plan, and they’re just throwing out random policies, probably to distract from the fact that they’re putting businesses in a very difficult position.
“What was happening was the business rates discussion, lots of pubs complaining, and then all of a sudden, Labour talks about banning X. I don’t think that’s a serious solution.”
Asked by LBC if she would be staying on X, she said: “I’m very concerned about the image generation, but I think that this is something that can be dealt with in a sensible fashion.
“X is a platform where lots of people put out views that are useful for politicians to hear. We should not be running away from views that we don’t like.”
Labour threatens X with ban over anti-Semitism online
12:43 , Harriette BoucherCommunities secretary Steve Reed has threatened Elon Musk with a ban on X over anti-Semitism online.
He said the social media platform must remove “abhorrent images that could have come from the Third Reich”, The Telegraph reported, and that the government was ready to introduce legislation to prevent the platform from “profiting” from online anti-Semitism.
His comments are the latest warning to the social media giant, which has already faced threats of a ban from the government over the platform’s deepfake row.
'What happened with Grok you could do in powerpoint', says Zahawi
12:27 , Harriette BoucherNadhim Zahawi has said that attacking X over its politics is a “dangerous place to be”, as the former Tory chancellor condemned a ban of the social media platform.
Mr Zahawi, who announced his defection to Reform UK on Monday, said: “What happened with Grok you could do in powerpoint.
"Technology is moving fast but what you don’t do is take a heavy handed approach and start banning things....When you start attacking a business just because you don’t agree with the owners politics or stance I think that’s a dangerous place to be.”
Ofcom must move 'swiftly' says Kendall
12:07 , Harriette BoucherLiz Kendall said Ofcom must complete its investigation "swiftly" because "the public and most importantly the victims - will not accept any delay".
In a statement on Monday, the technology secretary said: "I welcome Ofcom's urgency in launching a formal investigation today.
"It is vital that Ofcom complete this investigation swiftly because the public - and most importantly the victims - will not accept any delay.
"The content created and shared using Grok in recent days has been deeply disturbing and I will be updating Parliament later today on the Government's response."
Ofcom said it would provide an update on the investigation as soon as possible.
Supressing Grok could suppress free speech, says Farage
11:53 , Harriette BoucherReform UK leader Nigel Farage has expressed fears that censoring Grok, X’s AI, could “further suppress free speech”.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Farage said: “Nothing from the current set of regulators and government would surprise me when it came to free speech.
“Lets talk to Grok, they've already made 1 or 2 steps in our direction. Our fear is we’ll suppress Grok, and further suppress free speech and we don’t want to do that.”
Ofcom's investigation of X follows assessment of evidence, regulator says
11:36 , Harriette BoucherOfcom’s decision to investigate X followed an assessment of evidence handed over by the social media platform.
On Monday 5 January, the regulator gave X a “firm” deadline of Friday to provide an explanation of the steps it had taken to comply with its duties to protect its users in the UK.
Ofcom said the company responded by the deadline and it then carried out an assessment as a “matter or urgency”.
Following an assessment, the regulator decided to launch an investigation into X to determine whether it has complied with its obligations under the Online Safety Act.
Ofcom launches investigation into X following 'deeply concerning' reports
11:12 , Harriette BoucherOfcom has launched an investigation into X to establish whether X has failed to comply with its legal obligations under the Online Safety Act.
The independent regulator’s announcement follows “deeply concerning” images of Grok, the platform’s AI, being used to create sexually explicit content of women and children.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “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.
“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. As the UK’s independent online safety enforcement agency, it’s important we make sure our investigations are legally robust and fairly decided.”
How AI deepfakes are humiliating teachers and pupils in British schools every day
11:10 , Harriette BoucherBeyond Grok, nudifying technology and pornographic deepfakes are ripping through classrooms, leaving teachers and children traumatised and schools unsure how to respond.
With suspensions rising and prosecutions rare, Chloe Combi asks who is protecting them in the age of AI?
How AI deepfakes are humiliating teachers and pupils in British schools every day
Grok to be 'dealt with', says business secretary
10:54 , Harriette BoucherPeter Kyle said he expects the creation of "nudifying images" by X's AI chatbot Grok to be "dealt with".
The business secretary told broadcasters it was up to independent regulator Ofcom to enforce the law, which is now deciding whether the social media platform has broken the law.
He said: "In this country, we have independent regulators, and when it comes to enforcement it is not the decision of ministers like me as to whether someone is sanctioned or fined or not.
"I brought in measures that strengthened the law, that raised the ceiling on the law when it came to protecting children and protecting everybody from hate and criminal activity online.
"The independent regulator Ofcom is now deciding whether X has stepped outside of the law with the way that Grok, the AI-generated chatbot, is integrated with X and is generating nudifying images.
"Some of the things I have seen and heard about are disgusting and clearly unlawful, and I expect that to be dealt with."
X’s move to only allow paying subscribers to use its AI tool 'insulting', says Downing Street
10:40 , Harriette BoucherDowning Street has criticised X’s move to restrict its AI tool Grok, claiming the changes are “not a solution”.
On Friday, changes were made to Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, which now limits the ability to generate images to paying subscribers only.
It followed global backlash after the tool was used to digitally remove clothing from children.
But Downing Street has warned that the changes were “insulting” to victims of misogyny and sexual violence and had made creating deepfakes a “premium service”.
The prime minister has suggested the social media platform could be completely blocked in the UK after “unlawful” and “disgusting” images were generated.
Comment: If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
10:15 , Harriette BoucherAs women abandon X because of its use to generate non-consensual sexual imagery, the danger is not just what happens to those who stay, but what happens when abusers are left alone on the platform, says Olivia Petter.
If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
‘I feel violated and dehumanised after X’s Grok AI stripped me naked’
09:56 , Harriette BoucherWomen say they have been left feeling “violated and humiliated” after “dehumanising” images of them have been created by users of Grok AI without their consent.
Evie, 22, who did not wish to share her surname, said she has been bombarded with more than 100 sexualised images of herself in less than a week, including one that digitally stripped her naked.
“I just feel like I’ve been violated,” she told The Independent. “I’m just so shocked there are people out there who can do this – and that there are so many people who will defend it and come up with excuses for this when it’s blatantly a huge violation.”
Read Tara Cobham’s full story here
Two countries become first to block X over Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok
09:40 , Harriette BoucherMalaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, after authorities said it was being misused to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual images.
The moves reflect growing global concern over generative AI tools that can produce realistic images, sound and text, while existing safeguards fail to prevent their abuse.
The Grok chatbot, which is accessed through Musk’s social media platform X, has been criticized for generating manipulated images, including depictions of women in bikinis or sexually explicit poses, as well as images involving children.
Two countries become first to block X over Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok
Minister says X ‘not doing enough to keep customers safe’
09:32 , Harriette BoucherA government minister has said X is still “not doing enough to keep its customers safe online”, amid calls for the government to ban Elon Musk’s social media platform.
Business secretary Peter Kyle told BBC Breakfast that the indecent AI images that have been generated in recent days are an “affront to people’s diginity” and are “making people feel unsafe”.
He said it was “appalling” that X had not tested Grok properly, and adding, the government “stands fully behind Ofcom” in using their full powers - which include effectively banning X.
US compares a potential ban on X to Putin's Russia
09:25 , Harriette BoucherA key figure in Donald Trump’s administration has struck out at the UK’s threats against X, comparing a potential ban to Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
In a series of posts on X, Sarah Rogers, the US State Department’s under-secretary for public diplomacy, said the UK was “contemplating a Russia-style X ban, to protect them from bikini images”.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, also hit out against the threats, claiming the UK government wanted “any excuse for censorship”.
Government to announce next steps over X deepfake row
08:54 , Harriette BoucherThe government is due to announce its next steps over its row with X, after technology secretary Liz Kendall said she would support a decision from Ofcom to ban the social media platform in the UK.
Elon Musk has faced public backlash after his Grok AI was being used to generate sexually explicit images of women and children.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent.
“It is an insult and totally unacceptable for Grok to still allow this if you’re willing to pay for it. I expect Ofcom to use the full legal powers Parliament has given them.”
