Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's X platform over the use of its Grok AI tool to generate sexualised images of women and children by digitally removing their clothing. The regulator acted after a public and political outcry over the proliferation of such content on the platform.
The investigation, conducted under the Online Safety Act 2023, focuses on whether X failed to assess the risk of illegal content and take appropriate steps to prevent users from viewing intimate image abuse and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Ofcom described the reports as 'deeply concerning' and said it would pursue the case as a matter of the highest priority.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall condemned the content as 'vile' and 'illegal', and confirmed that the government fully backs Ofcom's enforcement powers, which include fines of up to 10% of global revenue and, in extreme cases, applying for a court order to block access to the site in the UK. Kendall also announced plans to bring into force a new law criminalising the creation of nonconsensual intimate images.
Ofcom said it had urgently contacted X on 25 March and, after considering the company's response, opened the investigation following an expedited assessment. The watchdog will gather evidence on whether a breach occurred before issuing a provisional decision and final ruling, though no timeline was given.
Labour MP Jess Asato, a campaigner against AI nudification, reported that explicit images of her were still being created and posted on X as of Monday morning, despite her public stance against the platform.
