Elon Musk is facing a potential ban of his platform X in the UK after ministers warned of severe consequences for the site’s failure to police AI-generated content. Musk responded to the threats by accusing the government of wanting to “suppress free speech,” while boasting that his Grok app had become the most downloaded in the country. The standoff follows revelations that Grok was used to create non-consensual sexual images of women and children, a practice that has been widely condemned by safety advocates and the general public.
The controversy focuses on Grok’s ability to manipulate photographs into explicit content. The AI was used to “nudify” women and girls, depicting them in micro-bikinis or in scenes of bondage and violence. The creation of such images without consent, particularly those involving minors, has been flagged as a serious violation of safety laws and a potential criminal offense. The graphic nature of the content has caused widespread outrage and has led to calls for the platform to take immediate responsibility for the harm it has caused.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the government is considering all options, including blocking access to X. She cited the Online Safety Act as the legal basis for such action, warning that Ofcom is prepared to move quickly. “X needs to get a grip,” Kendall said, emphasizing that the platform cannot ignore the law. The government has pledged full support for any enforcement measures taken by the regulator, signaling that it is prepared to engage in a protracted legal battle if necessary.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the UK’s concerns, calling the situation “abhorrent” and a failure of social media responsibility. While some UK politicians, such as Liz Truss, have defended Musk and criticized the government’s approach, the prevailing view among officials is that the platform has crossed a red line. The safety of users, particularly women and children, is being prioritized over unrestricted platform access, reflecting a shift in how governments are approaching the regulation of digital platforms.
X has implemented some changes, such as blocking image generation for free users and filtering certain terms. However, the tool remains available to paid subscribers, and the problem of deepfake pornography continues to plague the internet. Campaigners are urging the government to pass new laws to ban “nudification” apps and to hold tech companies accountable for the content they facilitate and advertise. The incident has served as a wake-up call for legislators around the world, who are now grappling with the challenges posed by generative AI.