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X has come under increasing criticism in recent days. Until now, users have been able to ask the AI chatbot Grok to generate revealing images of people - including children. (symbolic image)
Keystone
The British media regulator Ofcom has launched an official investigation into Elon Musk's online platform X. The reason for this are sexualized images generated by the AI Grok, as the authority announced.
According to the British authority, there are "deeply disturbing reports" that the Grok AI is being used to create and share sexualized images, including of children. This could sometimes be interpreted as abuse.
X has also come under massive criticism within the European Union in recent days because users can ask the AI chatbot to sexualize posted images, even if they show children. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called this "disgusting". Several ministers have made it clear in recent days that they would also support a ban on the platform should Ofcom come to such a conclusion.
The authority had therefore recently asked X for an urgent statement. According to the authority, the US company responded within a deadline set by Ofcom. Ofcom then subjected the "available evidence" to an urgent review. The investigation will now determine whether Musk's platform is in breach of the UK Online Safety Act.
Indonesia and Malaysia were the first countries in the world to temporarily block the chatbot at the weekend. Indonesian Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid explained that the move was aimed at protecting women, children and the general public from the spread of fake pornographic content generated by AI. She emphasized that the digital space must not become a lawless space.
If the authority finds an infringement, X could be asked to pay a fine. According to the information provided, Ofcom can then impose a fine of up to 10 percent of the US company's global turnover or 18 million pounds (equivalent to more than 20 million euros) - whichever is higher. In the most extreme case, the authority could also apply for a court order to partially or completely block the platform.
Musk had already lashed out at the British government on X at the weekend. For example, he accused London of censorship and called the government "fascist" in a post. Musk had repeatedly made similar accusations against the UK.
The platform's move to make access to AI image generation only available to paying users was recently deemed insufficient by both the European Commission and the British government. It was "an insult to victims of misogyny and sexual violence", Downing Street announced.
12.01.2026, 14:00
