Trouble appears to be mounting for Elon Musk’s social media platform X as controversy surrounding its AI chatbot Grok intensifies. What was once promoted as a breakthrough in artificial intelligence is now under scrutiny over serious safety concerns, particularly involving the creation of objectionable and pornographic images of women. These developments have sparked political and regulatory alarm in the UK, raising questions about whether X could face restrictions—or even a ban.
What is the controversy about?
According to reports by The Telegraph, Grok—an AI chatbot integrated into X—was allegedly used to generate pornographic images of women. Following these revelations, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly asked the country’s media regulator, Office of Communications (Ofcom), to consider all available options to address the issue.
The concern is that such content violates safety norms and could put users—especially women—at risk.
UK PM’s warning to X
The report says the Prime Minister has issued a clear warning to X, asking the platform to remove all pornographic and harmful content generated through AI tools. He reportedly stated that such misuse is “absolutely intolerable” and that action would be taken if the issue is not addressed. This warning comes amid claims that Grok was used to create thousands of inappropriate images.
Legal powers under the Online Safety Act
Sources cited by The Telegraph indicate that the UK’s Online Safety Act gives regulators sweeping powers. These include imposing fines worth billions of pounds or even blocking access to X in the UK if the platform fails to comply with safety requirements.
X reportedly has around 650 million users globally, with about 20 million users in the UK. Any restriction would therefore have a major impact on the platform.
Before any ban, Ofcom would be required to follow due legal process, including launching an investigation, issuing a provisional decision, and giving the company an opportunity to respond. If X does not adequately address the regulator’s concerns, blocking the platform in the UK remains a possible outcome.
Could X face trouble in India too?
The controversy is not limited to the UK. In India, concerns are also being raised about the misuse of AI tools on social media platforms. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi recently wrote to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking urgent intervention.
She expressed concern over the growing incidents of AI tools being used to sexualise and digitally undress women using their photos without consent, and called for stronger safeguards to protect women’s rights online.
