UK Government Increases Action Against AI-Generated Sexual Abuse
The British government is stepping up efforts to combat AI-driven sexual abuse. Recently, officials hinted at a potential ban on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, as investigations deepen into possible violations of the UK’s Online Safety Act.
This action follows an inquiry launched by Ofcom, the UK’s communication regulator, regarding reports that X’s AI chatbot, Grok, was involved in creating and sharing inappropriate deepfake images of women and children. While Grok debuted in 2023, a feature that permitted the generation of adult content was added in 2025.
Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, expressed serious concern about the misuse of this technology, labeling the creation of non-consensual images as “deeply disturbing.” She emphasized that social media platforms must take responsibility to prevent such abuses.
Ofcom has warned X that fines could reach millions or even up to 10% of the company’s revenue if they are found to be non-compliant. Kendall urged X to act swiftly on its own to stop the spread of these troubling materials. She stated, “No woman or child should live in fear of having their image manipulated by technology.”
Kendall also noted that sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent is a criminal act under UK law. She welcomed Ofcom’s quick action in starting the investigation, stressing the importance of protecting victims and the public from harm.
Following these revelations, Ofcom stated that it had contacted X urgently to inquire about measures in place to safeguard UK users. They underscored the need for platforms to protect users from illegal content.
In light of this, Grok has started restricting some features to paying subscribers to mitigate misuse. Musk, on his part, criticized the UK government, saying its actions resemble “fascism,” and claimed that the country arrests more people for social media activity than anywhere else.
As the UK government moves forward, it is also preparing to introduce new laws that criminalize the creation of non-consensual intimate images generated by AI. Kendall insists that accountability lies not just with individuals, but also with the platforms themselves.
As the situation unfolds, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration is reviewing its presence on the platform, with all options being considered.
