The UK government has issued a stark warning to Elon Musk's social media platform X, threatening to block its access in Britain if it fails to comply with laws concerning harmful AI-generated deepfakes. The confrontation centres on reports that X's artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, has been used to create sexually explicit images, including of children.
Expedited Ofcom Assessment and Government Ultimatum
The communications regulator, Ofcom, confirmed it is conducting an "expedited assessment" as a matter of urgency. This follows a response from X and its AI division, XAi, to an urgent contact made by the regulator on Monday 5 January 2026. Ofcom had set a firm deadline for the company to explain its actions.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated unequivocally that she would support Ofcom in using its full legal powers, which include the ability to block services in the UK. "I, and more importantly the public – would expect to see Ofcom update on next steps in days not weeks," she said. Kendall condemned the platform's reported move to restrict the creation of such images to paid subscribers as "insulting and totally unacceptable."
Backlash Over 'Premium Service' for Illegal Content
The row intensified after Downing Street labelled X's changes to Grok as "insulting" to victims of misogyny and sexual violence. The Prime Minister's spokesman argued that merely putting the feature behind a paywall turned the creation of unlawful images into a "premium service" rather than solving the problem.
This criticism was echoed by parliamentary committees. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee stated that X's action "fails to engage with the seriousness of the issue," while the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, chaired by Dame Chi Onwurah, highlighted gaps in the Online Safety Act regarding generative AI. Dame Chi warned that the act was "riddled with gaps" leaving citizens exposed.
Legal Powers and Wider Actions
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom wields significant authority to enforce compliance. The regulator can:
- Impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a company's global revenue.
- Take criminal action against businesses.
- Order payment providers, advertisers, and internet service providers to cease dealings with a non-compliant site, effectively blocking it, subject to court approval.
Separately, the government pointed to upcoming legislation. Ms Kendall noted that powers to criminalise the creation of intimate images without consent will take effect in the coming weeks, and a ban on "nudification apps" is being progressed through the Crime and Policing Bill.
Industry and International Reaction
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) confirmed its analysts had found "criminal imagery of children" aged 11-13 apparently created using Grok. Hannah Swirsky, IWF's head of policy, insisted companies must build "safe by design" products and that waiting for abuse to occur was unacceptable.
Politically, reactions varied. The Liberal Democrats called for an immediate block on X and a National Crime Agency investigation. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith, however, rejected a boycott, arguing you must "be where the debate is taking place." In a notable international intervention, US Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna threatened to sanction the UK if it bans X.
X has stated it takes action against illegal content, including by removing it and suspending accounts, while Elon Musk has previously insisted anyone using Grok for illegal content will face consequences. The outcome of Ofcom's expedited assessment is now awaited within days.
