Elon Musk accused critics of his platform X of using censorship as a pretext. He spoke after anger erupted over Grok, an artificial intelligence chatbot tied to the site. Users used the tool to create sexualised images without consent. Campaigners said the practice enabled serious abuse. Musk dismissed the backlash as an attack on free expression.
Regulator starts fast-track review
Media regulator Ofcom said it began an urgent review of X. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall publicly supported the move. She said the regulator would receive full government backing. Ofcom confirmed it contacted X earlier this week. Officials demanded explanations within a strict deadline.
MPs flag weaknesses in safety law
Senior MPs warned existing law might limit enforcement. The chairs of two parliamentary committees raised alarms. They said gaps in the Online Safety Act could restrict action. Both committees requested urgent clarification from ministers and Ofcom.
X limits AI image access
X restricted its AI image tool to paying subscribers. Downing Street described the decision as insulting to victims of sexual violence. The move followed days of political pressure. The free version previously allowed image alteration. Access now requires a monthly fee.
Evidence highlights scale of misuse
Journalists reviewed several examples generated by the tool. The system digitally removed clothing from women without consent. It placed them in explicit sexual situations. Campaigners said the technology allowed harm at scale. Victims described lasting emotional distress.
Ministers warn of tougher measures
Liz Kendall said she expected updates from Ofcom within days. She said the government would support strong enforcement. That support could include blocking X in the UK. Any action would depend on X’s response.
Musk criticises government reaction
Musk reposted messages attacking official criticism of Grok. One repost showed fabricated images of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The images portrayed him wearing a bikini. Musk said authorities wanted to silence speech. He repeated the claim overnight.
Influencer recounts personal experience
Ashley St Clair spoke on a radio news programme. She said Grok created sexualised images of her as a child. She said the system ignored her refusal of consent. She described the images as explicit and degrading.
Ongoing legal battle increases scrutiny
St Clair filed a lawsuit against Musk in 2025. She seeks sole custody of their child. She accused X of failing to act on illegal material. That material included child sexual abuse imagery. She said one instruction to an engineer could stop it.
Grok explains new limits
By Friday morning, Grok informed users of restrictions. The chatbot said only subscribers could generate or edit images. It encouraged users to pay to unlock features. The message appeared during image requests.
Ofcom outlines enforcement options
An Ofcom spokesperson said officials demanded answers from X. The company responded within the deadline. Ofcom then launched an expedited assessment. Officials said further updates would follow shortly.
The regulator holds powers under the Online Safety Act. It can seek court orders against non-compliant platforms. Those orders could restrict access to X in the UK. They could also block third-party financial support.
Committee chairs question clarity
Dame Chi Onwurah chairs the innovation and technology committee. She said the response raised confusion and concern. She questioned how authorities addressed the issue. She wrote to Ofcom and the technology secretary.
She said the law remained unclear. She questioned whether AI-generated sexual images broke the law. She also questioned platform responsibility for shared content. She said legislation should clearly outlaw such harm.
Worries grow over regulatory loopholes
Caroline Dinenage chairs the culture, media and sport committee. She said she feared a regulatory gap. She questioned whether the law covered platform functionality. That included AI tools that digitally remove clothing. She spoke on a breakfast news programme.
Political condemnation widens
Politicians across parties condemned the misuse of Grok. Sir Keir Starmer called the images disgraceful and disgusting. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the content horrible in every way. He said X must strengthen safeguards. He warned that banning the platform could threaten free speech.
The Liberal Democrats called for temporary access restrictions. They want limits during the investigation. Australia’s prime minister echoed the criticism. He called the material completely abhorrent.
International response escalates
The Australian leader said social media platforms lacked responsibility. He said the national digital safety commissioner reviewed the case. He said citizens worldwide deserved better protection.
Indonesia temporarily suspended Grok on Saturday. The country’s digital minister announced the move. He said non-consensual sexual deepfakes violated human rights. He called them a threat to dignity and digital security.
