UK government mulling X action after Grok creates AI deepfakes
The government has criticised recent changes to Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, calling them “insulting” after warnings that the tool was used to create illegal images, including of children.
Grok, which is built into X, previously allowed users to upload photos and to ask the AI bot to edit or alter them.
However, that feature is now restricted to ‘paying subscribers’ following ‘misuse’ by some of the platform’s users.
The chatbot now informs users that image generation and editing are “currently limited to paying subscribers.”
The move followed a warning from the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which said criminals had used Grok to generate images of child sexual abuse.
The prime minister’s spokesman said limiting the feature was “not a solution” and simply turned a harmful tool into a paid service.
He added that it showed X could act quickly when it chose to, but that the response fell far short of what was needed.
The government has made clear it expects stronger action.
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said Ofcom should use all the powers it has available under the Online Safety Act, including blocking access to services if required.
The IWF revealed its analysts had found criminal images of children aged between 11 and 13 that appeared to have been created using Grok.
The organisation said restricting access did not undo the harm already caused.
Ofcom confirmed it had contacted X urgently and set a deadline for the company to explain how it was addressing the issue.
The regulator is now also carrying out a fast-tracked assessment.
On its ‘Safety’ account, X reminds users that anyone using Grok to create illegal content would face the same consequences as uploading such material, including account suspension and potential criminal charges.