The surge of nonconsensual images on X, generated via the platform’s AI chatbot Grok, has drawn the attention of the U.K.’s media regulator, Ofcom. Ofcom announced it made “urgent contact” with X on Monday to assess if an investigation under the U.K.’s Online Safety Act is necessary.
An Ofcom spokesperson stated on Friday: “We urgently contacted them on Monday and set a firm deadline for today to explain themselves, to which we have received a response. We are now conducting an expedited assessment and will provide further updates shortly.”
The U.S. administration has previously criticized the U.K.’s online safety laws, arguing they restrict freedom of expression.
The U.K. government asserted Ofcom’s full support, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating on Thursday: “It’s disgraceful and unacceptable. X must address this issue, and Ofcom has our full support to take action.”
Starmer added: “This is wrong and unlawful, and we will not tolerate it. I’ve instructed that all options be considered.”
In a statement on Sunday, X said: “We take action against illegal content on X, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and cooperating with local governments and law enforcement as necessary. Anyone using or prompting Grok to create illegal content will face the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.”
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