Britain’s media regulator has opened an investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X. The focus is on its AI chatbot Grok. Officials are concerned the tool has been used to create sexually explicit deepfake images. Some of these images may be illegal under UK law.
The regulator, Ofcom, said reports about Grok were alarming. It said the chatbot may have been used to create and share non consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material. These are serious crimes in Britain.
Ofcom said platforms operating in the UK must protect users from illegal content. It added that it would step in whenever it believes a company is failing to do so. The regulator stressed that protecting children is a top priority.
This investigation adds more pressure on X. The platform is already facing criticism and scrutiny in several countries. Authorities in France and India have also raised concerns. Some countries have already taken action. Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked Grok over the weekend.
When asked about the probe, X pointed to an earlier statement. The company said it removes illegal content, permanently suspends offending accounts, and works with law enforcement when needed. X also said anyone who uses Grok to create illegal content will face the same penalties as someone who uploads it directly.
The issue has reached the highest levels of UK government. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the images produced by Grok disgusting and unlawful. He said X needs to get control of the situation.
The investigation is expected to be a major test of Britain’s online safety law. The law was passed in 2023 and is now being rolled out in stages. Ofcom recently took action against adult websites that failed to properly check users’ ages. The Grok case could be the first major social media test of the law.
There is even talk of a possible ban. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said banning X is an option, though he noted that decision would be up to Ofcom.
Elon Musk has pushed back strongly. He said the UK government is trying to suppress free speech. The prime minister’s office rejected that claim. A spokesperson said the issue is about stopping child abuse material and violence against women and girls.
The UK government has made its position clear. Creating or sharing AI generated sexual images without consent is illegal. Platforms must prevent users from seeing such content and must remove it as soon as they are aware of it.
If Ofcom finds serious violations, it has strong powers. It could ask courts to force advertisers or payment companies to stop working with X. It could even require internet providers to block access to the platform in Britain.
For now, the investigation is just beginning. But it shows how fast concerns around AI and online safety are turning into real consequences for major tech companies.
