Elon Musk said critics of X exploited the controversy to justify censorship. He responded to anger over Grok, an artificial intelligence chatbot tied to the platform. Users used the tool to create sexualised images without consent. Campaigners said the technology enabled serious abuse. Musk rejected the criticism and described it as an attack on free expression.
Regulator opens rapid investigation
Media regulator Ofcom said it launched an urgent assessment of X. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed full government backing. She said officials expected swift answers. Ofcom said it contacted X earlier this week. The regulator imposed a firm deadline for explanations.
Lawmakers warn of legal uncertainty
Senior MPs warned existing legislation might limit enforcement. The chairs of two parliamentary committees raised concerns. They said gaps in the Online Safety Act could restrict action. Both committees asked ministers and Ofcom for urgent clarification.
X moves to restrict AI image feature
X limited access to its AI image tool to paying subscribers. Downing Street called the move insulting to victims of sexual violence. The decision followed mounting political pressure. The free version previously allowed image manipulation. Users now need a monthly subscription.
Review uncovers harmful AI outputs
Journalists examined several examples produced by the tool. The system digitally removed clothing from women without consent. It placed them in explicit sexual situations. Campaigners said the technology enabled abuse at scale. Victims described lasting emotional harm.
Government signals tougher options
Liz Kendall said she expected updates from Ofcom within days. She said the government would support firm enforcement. That support could include blocking X in the UK. Any move would depend on the platform’s cooperation.
Musk attacks official criticism
Musk reposted messages criticising the government response to Grok. One repost showed fabricated images of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The images depicted him wearing a bikini. Musk said authorities wanted to silence speech. He repeated the claim overnight.
Influencer shares personal account
Ashley St Clair spoke on a radio news programme. She said Grok generated sexualised images of her as a child. She said the system ignored her refusal of consent. She described the images as explicit and degrading.
Custody case adds scrutiny
St Clair filed a lawsuit against Musk in 2025. She seeks sole custody of their child. She accused X of failing to tackle illegal material. That material included child sexual abuse imagery. She said one instruction to an engineer could stop the abuse.
Grok explains new restrictions
By Friday morning, Grok informed users about new limits. The chatbot said only subscribers could generate or edit images. It encouraged users to pay to unlock features. The message appeared during image requests.
Ofcom outlines possible sanctions
An Ofcom spokesperson said officials demanded explanations from X. The company responded before the deadline. Ofcom then launched an expedited assessment. Officials said further updates would follow shortly.
The regulator holds powers under the Online Safety Act. It can seek court orders against non-compliant platforms. Those orders could restrict access to X in the UK. They could also block third-party financial support.
Committee chairs question clarity
Dame Chi Onwurah chairs the innovation and technology committee. She said the response caused confusion and concern. She questioned how authorities addressed the issue. She wrote to Ofcom and the technology secretary.
She said the law lacked clarity. She questioned whether AI-generated sexual images were illegal. She also questioned platform responsibility for shared content. She said legislation should clearly outlaw such harm.
Fears rise over regulatory gaps
Caroline Dinenage chairs the culture, media and sport committee. She said she feared a regulatory gap. She questioned whether the law covered platform functionality. That included AI tools that digitally remove clothing. She spoke on a breakfast news programme.
Political condemnation grows
Politicians across parties condemned the misuse of Grok. Sir Keir Starmer called the images disgraceful and disgusting. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the content horrible in every way. He said X must strengthen safeguards. He warned that banning the platform could threaten free speech.
The Liberal Democrats called for temporary access restrictions. They want limits during the investigation. Australia’s prime minister echoed the criticism. He called the material completely abhorrent.
International action follows
The Australian leader said social media platforms lacked responsibility. He said the national digital safety commissioner reviewed the issue. He said citizens worldwide deserved better protection.
Indonesia temporarily suspended Grok on Saturday. The country’s digital minister announced the decision. He said non-consensual sexual deepfakes violated human rights. He called them a threat to dignity and digital security.
