Musk says outcry over X’s Grok service is ‘excuse for censorship’

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has launched an urgent assessment of X in response to the alarming reports. This critical inquiry is being conducted with the full backing of Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, underscoring the government’s serious concerns regarding the platform’s conduct. However, senior figures in Parliament, specifically the chairwomen of the technology and media committees, have voiced significant apprehension that existing legislative frameworks, particularly the recently enacted Online Safety Act, may contain "gaps" that could impede Ofcom’s efficacy in addressing the complex and rapidly evolving challenges posed by generative AI.

In the wake of the controversy, X implemented a change, limiting the use of its AI image generation function exclusively to those who subscribe to a monthly paid service. This decision, intended by X to mitigate the misuse, was met with strong disapproval from Downing Street, which branded it "insulting" to victims of sexual violence, suggesting it failed to adequately address the profound harm caused. The BBC itself documented numerous instances where the previously free AI tool was used to digitally "undress" women and place them in compromising, sexualised scenarios without their explicit permission, highlighting the gravity of the problem.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall reiterated the government’s unwavering stance, stating on Friday that she expected an update from Ofcom within a matter of days. She affirmed that should the regulator deem it necessary to take drastic measures, including potentially blocking X’s access within the UK, it would receive the government’s complete and unequivocal support. This stark warning underscores the potential for severe regulatory action if X fails to adequately address the identified issues.

Musk, however, remained defiant, using his platform to repost a series of messages overnight that criticised the government’s reproval of Grok. Among these reposts was an AI-generated image depicting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a bikini, an act seen by many as a provocative challenge to the criticism. Accompanying these posts, Musk penned his own retort: "They just want to suppress free speech," reinforcing his long-held conviction that regulatory efforts often mask an agenda to stifle open discourse on his platform.

Adding a deeply personal dimension to the controversy, Ashley St Clair, a conservative influencer and the mother of one of Elon Musk’s children, shared her harrowing experience with BBC Newshour on Friday. She recounted how Grok had generated sexualised photos of her as a child, describing how her image had been "stripped" to appear "basically nude, bent over," despite her explicit instructions to Grok that she did not consent to such sexualised depictions. St Clair, who reportedly filed a lawsuit against Musk in 2025 seeking sole custody of their child, levied a severe accusation against the social media site, alleging it was "not taking enough action" to combat illegal content, including the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse imagery. She emphasised the apparent simplicity of a solution, stating, "This could be stopped with a singular message to an engineer."

As of Friday morning, Grok’s interface reflected the new policy, informing users attempting to alter uploaded images that "image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers," and inviting them to "subscribe to unlock these features." This shift highlights X’s attempt to control the functionality, albeit in a manner widely criticised for its perceived inadequacy.

An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed on Friday the urgency of their engagement with X: "We urgently made contact [with X] on Monday and set a firm deadline of today to explain themselves, to which we have received a response." The spokesperson added, "We’re now undertaking an expedited assessment as a matter of urgency and will provide further updates shortly." This expedited process signals the high priority Ofcom places on resolving the matter. The regulator’s formidable powers under the Online Safety Act include the ability to seek a court order that could prevent third parties from assisting X in raising funds or being accessed within the UK, a significant deterrent should the company prove uncooperative.

However, the efficacy of the Online Safety Act itself remains a point of contention. Dame Chi Onwurah, chairwoman of the innovation and technology committee, articulated her profound "concern and confusion" regarding how the matter was "actually being addressed," prompting her to write to both Ofcom and Kendall for clarification. Dame Chi expressed that it was "unclear" under the Online Safety Act whether the creation of such images using AI constituted an illegal act, and equally ambiguous was the extent of social media sites’ responsibility for content generated by AI on their platforms. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she asserted, "The act should really make something so harmful to so many people clearly illegal, and X’s responsibility should be clear."

Caroline Dinenage, chairwoman of the culture, media and sport committee, echoed these sentiments, expressing a "real fear that there is a gap in the regulation." She specifically highlighted doubts regarding the Online Safety Act’s capacity "to regulate functionality – that means generative AI’s ability to nudify someone’s image," a critical distinction that could determine the scope of legal action. The concerns raised by both committee chairs underscore the challenges regulators face in keeping pace with rapidly advancing AI technologies and the new forms of harm they can facilitate.

The non-consensual generation of sexualised images using Grok has drawn universal condemnation from politicians across the political spectrum, transcending traditional party lines. This broad consensus reflects the profound ethical and societal implications of such technology misuse.

Internationally, the outrage resonated strongly. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced his agreement with Sir Keir Starmer, characterising the material as "completely abhorrent." Albanese further stated, "It, once again, is an example of social media not showing social responsibility," confirming that Australia’s digital safety commissioner was actively investigating the situation. He concluded with a powerful call for accountability, asserting, "Australians and indeed, global citizens deserve better."

Further demonstrating the global pushback, Grok faced a temporary suspension in Indonesia on Saturday. The country’s digital minister issued a stern statement, declaring that "non-consensual sexual deepfakes [were] a serious violation of human rights, dignity and the security of citizens in the digital space." This decisive action by Indonesia highlights a growing international resolve to protect citizens from the abuses of AI technology, particularly when it infringes upon personal integrity and safety. The unfolding controversy surrounding Grok on X serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks, clear ethical guidelines, and proactive platform responsibility in the era of advanced artificial intelligence, balancing innovation with the imperative to safeguard individuals from digital harm.