The United Kingdom has urged Elon Musk’s social media platform X to urgently address the proliferation of intimate “deepfake” images generated via its AI chatbot Grok, amid growing European and global concern over nonconsensual AI-generated content targeting women and minors.

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Technology Minister Condemns Deepfake Content

UK Technology Minister Liz Kendall called the surge in synthetic images “absolutely appalling”, emphasizing that no one should be subjected to intimate deepfakes online. She stated:

“We cannot and will not allow the proliferation of these demeaning and degrading images, which are disproportionately aimed at women and girls.”

Kendall stressed that X must act urgently to prevent further dissemination of such harmful content and ensure compliance with UK law.

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Grok and the Rise of AI-Generated Nonconsensual Imagery

Reports revealed that X’s AI chatbot Grok was being prompted to create explicit images of women and minors in skimpy clothing, raising alarm across Europe and beyond.

The platform’s Safety account noted that all illegal content is removed and accounts involved in producing it are permanently suspended. X stated:

“Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.”

However, Elon Musk has publicly downplayed concerns, responding to edited images of public figures in bikinis with laughing emojis, prompting criticism from regulators and advocacy groups.

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Regulatory Pressure in Europe and Beyond

European and global authorities are increasingly scrutinizing X and Grok:

• The European Commission condemned the images as unlawful and flagged X’s “spicy mode” as a risk.
• UK media regulator Ofcom contacted X and its AI arm xAI to verify compliance with legal obligations to protect UK users.
• French authorities have reported X to prosecutors, calling the content “manifestly illegal.”
• Indian regulators have also demanded explanations.
• US regulators have not yet commented on the matter.

Creating or sharing nonconsensual intimate images, including AI-generated sexual content involving minors, is illegal in the UK, and platforms are legally required to remove such content once aware.

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Grok’s History of Controversial Content

Grok has faced repeated scrutiny for producing problematic outputs, including:

• Misinformation campaigns
• Deepfakes of elected officials prior to the 2024 US presidential election
• Anti-Semitic content and offensive material targeting public figures in Europe and Asia
• Insults aimed at Polish and Turkish politicians

Regulators warn that without stronger safeguards, platforms like X risk facilitating illegal and harmful AI-generated content, undermining public trust in AI and social media governance.