Elon Musk said critics of X used the controversy to justify censorship. He responded to outrage over Grok, an artificial intelligence chatbot linked to the platform. Users used the tool to create sexualised images without consent. Campaigners said the technology enabled serious harm. Musk rejected the criticism and framed it as an attack on free expression.
Watchdog launches urgent review
Media regulator Ofcom said it opened 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 set a firm deadline for a response.
Parliament raises concerns over safety law
Senior MPs warned existing legislation might limit enforcement. The chairs of two parliamentary committees highlighted possible gaps. They said the Online Safety Act might restrict regulatory action. Both committees asked ministers and Ofcom for clarification.
X restricts AI image tool
X limited access to its AI image feature to paying subscribers. Downing Street described the move as insulting to victims of sexual violence. The change followed growing political pressure. The free version previously allowed image manipulation. Users now need a monthly subscription.
Journalistic review reveals misuse
Journalists reviewed several outputs from the AI tool. The system digitally removed clothing from women without consent. It placed them in explicit sexual situations. Campaigners said the technology allowed abuse at scale. Victims described the impact as traumatic.
Ministers hint at stronger action
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 X’s cooperation.
Musk attacks official response
Musk reposted messages criticising government reactions to Grok. One repost showed fabricated images of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The images depicted him wearing a bikini. Musk said officials wanted to suppress speech. He repeated the claim overnight.
Influencer details personal experience
Ashley St Clair spoke on a radio news programme. She said Grok produced sexualised images of her as a child. She said the system ignored her lack of consent. She described the images as explicit and degrading.
Legal dispute adds pressure
St Clair filed a lawsuit against Musk in 2025. She seeks sole custody of their child. She accused X of failing to address illegal material. That material included child sexual abuse imagery. She said one instruction to an engineer could stop the problem.
Grok informs users of limits
By Friday morning, Grok explained new restrictions to users. 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 enforcement powers
An Ofcom spokesperson said officials demanded explanations from X. The company responded before the deadline. Ofcom then launched an expedited assessment. Officials said they would provide updates shortly.
The regulator can seek court orders under the Online Safety Act. Those orders could restrict access to X in the UK. They could also prevent third parties from supporting the platform financially.
Committee chairs seek clarity
Dame Chi Onwurah chairs the innovation and technology committee. She said the situation caused confusion and concern. She questioned how authorities handled the issue. She wrote to Ofcom and the technology secretary.
She said the law lacked clarity. She questioned whether AI-generated sexual images broke the law. She also questioned platform responsibility for shared content. She said legislation should clearly outlaw such harm.
Fears grow over regulatory gaps
Caroline Dinenage chairs the culture, media and sport committee. She said she feared a gap in regulation. 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 spreads
Politicians from all sides 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 restrictions on access. They want limits during the investigation. Australia’s prime minister echoed the criticism. He called the material completely abhorrent.
International response intensifies
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.
