The UK government has raised the prospect of blocking Elon Musk’s social media platform X after its AI chatbot, Grok, was used to generate non-consensual sexualized images, including images of children, officials say.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said she would fully back Ofcom if it decides to restrict access to X in the UK for failing to comply with online safety laws.

“Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent. I, and more importantly the public, would expect to see Ofcom update on next steps in days, not weeks,” Kendall said.

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What Happened With Grok AI

Grok is an AI chatbot on X that can generate and edit images. Users could tag Grok under posts to request digitally altered images of individuals, including requests that undress women and children.

• In response to public backlash, X restricted this functionality to paying subscribers, but Downing Street called this change “insulting” to victims of sexual violence.
• Experts argue the restriction is only a temporary fix, leaving the tool capable of producing harmful content in other areas of the platform.

Dr Daisy Dixon, a philosophy lecturer and X user, described the restriction as “like a sticking plaster” and said Grok needs a complete redesign with ethical guardrails.

The Internet Watch Foundation reported that some Grok-generated images included apparent criminal imagery of girls aged 11–13, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

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UK Government Response

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has the power to:

• Block access to services in the UK that fail to comply with online safety laws.
• Seek court orders to stop third parties from helping a non-compliant platform operate or raise money.

An Ofcom spokesperson said the regulator has contacted X urgently and is conducting an expedited assessment to determine next steps.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Grok’s misuse as “disgraceful” and “disgusting”, and politicians from across the UK have condemned the tool.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized X but said banning the platform would be “frankly appalling” and an attack on free speech. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats called for a temporary restriction in the UK while the platform is investigated.

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Impact on Users and Public Trust

Many users report feeling humiliated and dehumanized after being targeted by Grok-generated content. Even with the new paid restriction, victims argue that harm has already been done and that the platform must take stronger action.

Leaked WhatsApp messages from Labour MPs indicate growing concern over using X for official government communications, particularly regarding posts that could endanger children or women. MPs urged the government to shift communications to other platforms.

A Downing Street spokesperson said X has shown it can act swiftly but emphasized that urgent and comprehensive action is needed to prevent further harm.

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The Way Forward

The controversy highlights the challenges of regulating AI-powered tools on social media, particularly those capable of generating deepfake or sexualized content without consent.

• Ofcom is expected to make a decision soon on whether to restrict or block X in the UK.
• Experts and politicians stress that ethical safeguards and legal compliance are critical to preventing future abuses.

“It is time for X to grip this issue,” the Downing Street spokesperson said. “If another media company had billboards showing unlawful images, it would face immediate action or public backlash.”