UK media regulator Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into Elon Musks platform X over its AI chatbot Grok, following reports that the tool has been used to generate s3xualised deepfake images, including of m!nors. The regulator described the reports as deeply concerning, noting that undressed or manipulated images of adults may constitute intimate image abuse or p0rn0graphy, while s3xualised images of ch!ldren may constitute child s3xual abuse material under UK law. Ofcom said it first contacted X on January 5 demanding information on what measures the platform has introduced to protect UK users. The regulator confirmed that X responded within the required timeframe but did not disclose the contents of the exchange. The investigation will assess whether X has failed to meet its legal obligations under the Online Safety Act, which came into force in July. The law requires platforms hosting potentially harmful content to enforce strict age verification measures and bans both non-consensual intimate images and AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Ofcom has authority to issue fines up to 10 percent of a companys global revenue for violations. Grok, which is integrated into X, faced growing backlash last week after users were able to generate s3xualised images using simple prompts. In response, X announced the tool would be limited to paying subscribers, a move officials and campaigners criticised as insufficient. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the decision an affront to victims and not a solution. International pressure has also escalated. Indonesia became the first country to block access to Grok on Saturday, citing indecent content risks, with Malaysia announcing similar action on Sunday, January 11. The European Commission said it is reviewing complaints related to the chatbot. X did not immediately comment when contacted by media outlets.The post UK regulator opens probe into X over s3xualised AI imagery appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
