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Ofcom has opened a formal assessment of X after reports that the social media platform’s AI chatbot, Grok, has been used to generate and circulate illegal non‑consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material. According to The Guardian, the regulator is examining whether X breached duties under the Online Safety Act. [2]

The controversy centres on allegations that Grok’s image tools were used to produce sexually explicit images of women and children without consent, prompting sharp condemnation from ministers. The Guardian reports that Technology Secretary Liz Kendall urged X to act swiftly to remove such material and stressed that the UK government will not tolerate its proliferation online. [3][6]

Ofcom has made urgent contact with both X and xAI to establish what steps have been taken to protect users in the UK, while the platform says it has suspended accounts that generate sexually explicit imagery. Journalists and campaigners, however, say content continues to circulate on the service despite those measures. [4][7]

Political pressure has intensified as campaign groups and opposition figures described the situation as evidence of weak enforcement and inadequate moderation by tech companies. The Guardian records calls for stronger, faster intervention to prevent AI tools being used to create and spread abusive imagery. [4]

In response to the outcry, Grok restricted its image‑generation function, curtailing the feature for most users while reportedly allowing it for paying subscribers; critics argue that making moderation a paywalled feature is not an adequate remedy. The Guardian coverage notes continued concern about the platform’s approach to preventing non‑consensual imagery. [4][3]

Advocates and lawmakers are urging clearer, enforceable obligations on platforms that deploy generative AI, warning that existing rules must be applied robustly to deter misuse and protect victims. The Guardian’s reporting highlights widespread agreement that regulators and companies must move faster to stop harmful synthetic content. [2][7]

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Source: Noah Wire Services