Ofcom launches formal probe into X’s Grok AI for creating sexualised deepfakes, as PM Starmer warns of swift action against online abuse.
LONDON: UK media regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X over its AI chatbot Grok’s image-creation feature.
The probe focuses on the tool’s use to generate sexualised deepfakes of women and children.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned the platform, stating, “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.”
Ofcom described reports of the AI-generated imagery as “deeply concerning”.
It said the undressed images “may amount to intimate image abuse or pornography” while sexualised images of children “may amount to child sexual abuse material”.
The regulator had contacted X on January 5 seeking details on steps taken to protect UK users.
X responded within the given timeframe, according to Ofcom.
The formal investigation will determine if X failed to meet its legal obligations under the UK’s Online Safety Act.
In a statement to AFP, X referred to a previous comment, saying it takes action against illegal content “by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary”.
Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must implement strict age verification for harmful content.
It is illegal to create or share non-consensual intimate images or child sexual abuse material, including AI deepfakes.
Ofcom can impose fines of 10% of a company’s global revenue for breaches.
Technology Minister Liz Kendall told parliament the government plans a new criminal offence for companies supplying tools designed to create such imagery.
“Tackling violence against women and girls is as important online as it is in the real world,” she said.
xAI, which runs Grok, recently limited the tool’s image-creation to paying subscribers.
Starmer told Labour lawmakers the actions of Grok and X were “absolutely disgusting and shameful”.
Musk responded on X that critics “just want to suppress free speech”.
Indonesia has blocked access to Grok, with Malaysia following suit.
The European Commission has ordered X to retain all internal Grok-related documents until the end of 2026.
Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said, “We will not be outsourcing child protection and consent to Silicon Valley.”
