UK probes Elon Musk's X over sexually explicit AI-generated images
UK regulators launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's X platform over sexually explicit images generated by its AI tool, Grok. The probe centres on whether X violated the Online Safety Act. Violations could expose the platform to fines or service restrictions. X declined to comment but stated it actively removes illegal content and suspends offending accounts.
The scrutiny comes amid global backlash. France, India, and Indonesia have condemned Grok for producing sexualized images without consent. Indonesia temporarily blocked access. Malaysia followed suit over the weekend. The Internet Watch Foundation reported finding criminal child sexual abuse material allegedly generated by Grok. The EU ordered X to preserve Grok-related documents until year-end.
Grok's design includes fewer safeguards than mainstream AI tools. A recent feature allows users to digitally "undress" images, creating sexualized depictions of individuals, including minors. UK law criminalizes possessing or sharing sexual images of children or intimate content of adults without consent—including AI-generated content. Following an influx of explicit requests, xAI restricted image generation to paid users on X, though it remained free on the standalone Grok app. Musk warned users producing illegal content would face the same consequences as uploading it directly. This controversy highlights the tension between AI innovation and regulatory oversight.