The UK government has expressed serious concerns over the use of the AI tool Grok, developed by Elon Musk’s social media platform X. Reports emerged revealing that Grok has been exploited to generate sexualised deepfake images of women and children. Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled the practice “disgusting,” suggesting that a ban on the platform is now a possibility.
This controversy has incited considerable outrage across the UK, with numerous public figures, including politicians and celebrities, among those affected. Some of the AI-generated content has reportedly made its way onto the dark web, raising significant alarm regarding illegal child sexual abuse material. In response, the Prime Minister stated that the government would not tolerate such actions and has instructed Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to explore all available measures to combat the issue.
Government’s Stance on Deepfake Content
During a press briefing, Starmer condemned X for allowing Grok to generate explicit images, which included depictions of high-profile individuals such as the Princess of Wales. He stated, “This is disgraceful. It’s disgusting, and it’s not to be tolerated.” He urged X to act swiftly to remove the harmful material, adding, “We will take action on this because it’s simply not tolerable.”
On January 7, 2026, Ofcom confirmed that Grok-generated images had been circulated online, constituting illegal content. Starmer emphasized that he had requested Ofcom to ensure that “all options are on the table,” indicating that a ban on X could be considered if the platform fails to respond adequately. He reiterated, “X has got to get a grip of this… We’re not going to tolerate it. I’ve asked for all options to be on the table.”
Potential Regulatory Actions
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom possesses the authority to apply for a court order known as an access restriction order. This order would compel internet service providers and app stores to block access to platforms that violate regulations in the UK. Although this power has not been exercised previously, Ofcom warned it might initiate an investigation into X in light of recent events.
While Elon Musk has cautioned users that utilizing Grok to create illegal content could lead to serious repercussions, critics argue that X has not effectively prevented the abuse of this technology. Research indicates that users generate thousands of sexualized images through Grok every hour, often using prompts that lead to the creation of synthetic images without consent. One individual affected by this phenomenon expressed that while the images are digital, they feel “as violating as if someone had actually posted a nude picture” of her.
As the situation continues to unfold, the UK government has made it clear that it is prepared to take decisive action if X does not address these pressing concerns. Ofcom has already reached out to the platform urgently and may soon commence a formal investigation. As of now, neither Musk nor X has issued a statement regarding the potential ban in the UK.
