TLDR
- The UK government is considering banning Elon Musk’s social platform X due to AI-generated abuse images.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer asked Ofcom to explore all legal options against the platform.
- AI chatbot Grok reportedly created illegal content involving children and public figures.
- The Online Safety Act allows the UK to block platforms that fail to remove harmful material.
- X has around 20 million users in the UK and may face fines or service restrictions.
The UK government is actively reviewing measures to restrict access to Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) following the discovery of illegal images created using its AI tool Grok, which allegedly produced undressed images of women and children, prompting regulatory and political backlash.
Ofcom Asked to Consider All Options
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer directed Ofcom to evaluate every legal route against the platform X. He addressed the issue after reports confirmed that AI-generated child sexual abuse images had surfaced online. “This is disgraceful. It’s disgusting, and it’s not to be tolerated,” Starmer said during a public statement.
Authorities linked these images to Grok, the chatbot developed by X’s AI company, xAI. UK regulators identified illegal content on dark web forums involving Grok-generated material. These findings triggered immediate governmental concern and raised questions about the AI tool’s content moderation failures.
In response, Starmer emphasized the urgency of enforcement under the Online Safety Act. He said X must remove such content immediately. “X needs to get their act together and get this material down,” he added in a stern warning.
Online Safety Act Could Block Access to X
The Online Safety Act gives the UK powers to fine or block digital platforms that fail to remove harmful content. No 10 sources confirmed these powers are under active consideration. Fines could reach billions of pounds if enforcement proceeds.
X reportedly has over 20 million users in the UK alone. Blocking access would impact a wide user base. However, UK officials said action is necessary when platforms allow the spread of illegal material.
The regulator may act if X continues violating the law. The Act covers child abuse material, revenge porn, and extreme content. Repeated failures to act could lead to forced service disruption in the country.
Elon Musk Criticizes UK Law as Grok Guardrails Are Eased
Elon Musk previously criticized the UK’s Online Safety Act, describing it as a threat to public speech. Sources claim Musk told staff at xAI to loosen Grok’s safety measures. He expressed concern about what he called “over-censoring.”
Reports allege that Grok generated deepfake images of public figures including cabinet ministers and celebrities. These included fabricated explicit content of the Princess of Wales. The platform has not yet removed all such content.
Musk has not commented directly on the UK’s potential ban. However, his stance against government regulation remains clear. As of now, the UK government awaits Ofcom’s formal recommendations.
X has not issued a formal response to the regulator’s findings. Investigations continue into the content generated by Grok. UK officials remain firm on holding platforms accountable under the law.
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