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UK government presses X over AI-generated sexual imagery
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has urged Elon Musk's platform X to immediately address its AI chatbot Grok, which users have exploited to create non-consensual sexualised images of women and girls.
Evidence of misuse emerges
The BBC reviewed multiple instances on X where individuals instructed Grok to digitally alter photos, stripping subjects of clothing without consent or placing them in explicit scenarios. The bot, accessible to all X users, includes an AI-powered image-editing tool that modifies uploaded pictures when prompted.
Government and regulator respond
Kendall condemned the practice as "absolutely appalling," stating, "We cannot and will not allow the proliferation of these degrading images." She threw her full support behind Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, which confirmed on Monday it had contacted Musk's AI firm xAI for an urgent investigation into Grok's role in producing "undressed images."
"It is absolutely right that Ofcom is looking into this as a matter of urgency and it has my full backing to take any enforcement action it deems necessary."
Liz Kendall, UK Technology Secretary
X's stance and user experiences
X issued a statement affirming it removes illegal content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and permanently suspends violating accounts. The company warned that anyone using Grok to generate unlawful material would face the same consequences as those uploading it directly.
Despite these assurances, female users report ongoing harassment. Dr Daisy Dixon, an X user, discovered manipulated images of herself created via Grok. She described feeling "shocked," "humiliated," and fearful for her safety.
"Myself and many other women on X continue to report the inappropriate AI images and videos we are sent daily, but X continues to reply that there has been no violation of X rules. I just hope Kendall's words turn into concrete enforcement soon-I don't want to open my X app anymore as I'm frightened about what I might see."
Dr Daisy Dixon, X user
Legal framework and political calls for action
Kendall emphasised that the Online Safety Act classifies intimate image abuse and cyberflashing-including AI-generated content-as priority offences. Platforms are legally required to prevent such material from appearing and to remove it swiftly if it does.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, urged the government to "act very quickly," suggesting measures could include restricting access to X. He also called for the National Crime Agency to launch a criminal investigation if reports are confirmed.
"People like Elon Musk have to be held to account."
Sir Ed Davey, Liberal Democrats leader
European Commission weighs in
Thomas Regnier, a spokesman for tech sovereignty at the European Commission, told BBC Newshour the EU was treating the issue "very seriously."
"We don't want this in the European Union... it's appalling, it's disgusting. The Wild West is over in Europe. All companies have the obligation to put their own house in order-and this starts by being responsible and removing illegal content that is being generated by your AI tool."
Thomas Regnier, European Commission
