The UK government has issued a strong warning to Elon Musk’s social media platform X, following reports that its AI tool, Grok, has been misused to create sexualised deepfake images of women and children. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the practice as “disgusting” and indicated that a ban on the platform is being considered if immediate actions are not taken to address the issue.
The scandal has ignited outrage across Britain, particularly as high-profile individuals, including the Princess of Wales, cabinet ministers, and celebrities, have reportedly been targeted. Concerns have intensified after regulators confirmed that some AI-generated material associated with Grok has already been circulated on the dark web, raising serious alarms about illegal child sexual abuse imagery.
On January 7, 2026, the UK’s internet watchdog disclosed that Grok-generated images, which have been deemed illegal, have been shared online. Starmer emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy, stating, “X needs to get their act together and get this material down – and we will take action on this because it’s simply not tolerable.” He confirmed that he has tasked Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to explore all available options, including a potential ban.
The Prime Minister’s comments reflect a broader governmental stance on online safety, particularly under the provisions of the Online Safety Act. Ofcom is empowered to apply for an access restriction order, which would compel internet service providers and smartphone app stores to block offending platforms in the UK. While this power has never been exercised, Ofcom has indicated that an investigation into X might be forthcoming.
Despite warnings from Musk that users creating illegal content with Grok would face consequences akin to those for uploading illegal material, critics argue that X has not adequately curbed the misuse of the tool. Research indicates that X users generate thousands of sexualised images using Grok every hour, often prompted by phrases such as “put her in a bikini.” This raises ethical concerns, particularly as these synthetic images can feel violating to those depicted.
Starmer remarked on the severity of the issue, stating, “This is wrong. It’s unlawful. We’re not going to tolerate it. I’ve asked for all options to be on the table.” The UK government is making its position clear: if X fails to act decisively, it will not hesitate to implement strict measures. Ofcom has reportedly made “urgent contact” with the platform, signaling that a formal investigation may soon begin.
As the situation develops, the response from Musk and X regarding the potential ban remains unknown. The government’s commitment to addressing this issue underlines the increasing scrutiny tech companies face in ensuring user safety and compliance with legal standards.
