Britain’s media regulator has opened a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social platform X over concerns that its Grok tool may be generating sexually explicit synthetic images, raising alarms about potential violations of UK laws designed to protect the public from illegal online content.
The probe, announced Monday by Ofcom, comes as the British government prepares to activate new legislation that makes the creation of sexual deepfake images a criminal offence. Officials say the move is aimed at curbing the spread of images they describe as weapons of abuse.
Technology Minister Liz Kendall told lawmakers that the government is also preparing further legislation to address the issue at its source. The proposed measures would make it illegal for companies to supply tools built for creating deepfake images.
“This is about stopping harm before it happens,” Kendall said, adding that the government wants to ensure online platforms and technology providers are held accountable.
Ofcom said reports of Grok being used to create and circulate illegal non consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material on X were deeply troubling. The regulator stressed that platforms operating in Britain are required to shield users from illegal content, especially where children could be harmed.
“We will not hesitate to investigate when we suspect companies are failing in their duties,” Ofcom said in a statement.
The investigation adds to growing scrutiny of X, which is already facing regulatory and criminal probes in several countries, including France and India. Public criticism intensified last week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the images linked to Grok as “disgusting” and “unlawful,” saying the platform needed to take control of the situation.
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Starmer’s comments came as Britain’s online safety law, passed in 2023, enters a crucial enforcement phase. After early action against adult websites lacking effective age checks, the Grok case is expected to become one of the first major tests of the law’s reach.
Asked whether X could ultimately be banned in the UK, Business Secretary Peter Kyle said it was possible, though he noted that any such decision would rest with Ofcom.
In response to questions about the probe, X pointed to an earlier statement saying it takes action against illegal content by removing material, permanently suspending accounts, and cooperating with law enforcement when necessary.
The company added that anyone using or prompting Grok to produce illegal material would face the same penalties as users who upload such content directly.
