Political pressure is mounting for a criminal investigation to be launched into billionaire Elon Musk and his social media platform X, following an explosion of sexually explicit deepfake content.
Liberal Democrats Call for Police Action
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has publicly stated his belief that a criminal probe should be opened. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, 13th January 2026, Sir Ed declared that no other political party is taking the issue as seriously as his. He argued that the entire X platform should be suspended while media regulator Ofcom conducts its investigation.
In a moment of unintended symbolism, Sir Ed's microphone fell from the podium as he defended his party's continued presence on X, stating they were providing a "strong Liberal voice" on the contentious platform.
Ofcom's Formal Investigation and Legal Powers
The UK's communications watchdog, Ofcom, has now launched a formal investigation into X. This probe will determine whether the platform, formerly known as Twitter, has failed to comply with its legal duties under the Online Safety Act.
Should Ofcom find X in breach, it possesses significant enforcement powers. These include the ability to fine the company up to £18 million or 10% of its global revenue. The regulator can also impose business disruption measures, such as forcing payment providers and advertisers to withdraw from the site.
An Ofcom spokesman confirmed the investigation is a "matter of the highest priority", emphasising platforms must protect UK users from illegal content, especially where children are at risk.
Grok AI at the Centre of the Storm
The scandal has focused intensely on X's own AI chatbot, Grok, developed by Musk's xAI. Ofcom made "urgent contact" with the company last week over "serious concerns" that Grok has been used to create sexualised images of children.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a child safety charity, reported its analysts had discovered criminal imagery of children aged 11-13 that appeared to be generated by Grok, shared on dark web forums.
In response, X announced it would make deepfake creation a "premium service", a move dismissed by Downing Street as "an insult to victims of misogyny and sexual violence". Technology Secretary Liz Kendall condemned the approach as "monetising abuse".
Government Announces New Laws Against "Weapons of Abuse"
In a statement to the House of Commons, Ms Kendall labelled the AI-generated images "weapons of abuse", designed to harass and violate. She confirmed a new law, coming into force this week, will make it illegal to create or seek to create non-consensual intimate images.
Furthermore, the progressing Crime and Policing Bill will criminalise apps and tools designed to create such fake nude images, aiming to tackle the problem at its source. The government is also reviewing its own use of the X platform.
While Musk has stated that anyone using Grok for illegal content will face consequences, and xAI admitted to "lapses in safeguards", the calls for accountability and stronger action continue to grow louder.
