Elon Musk-owned social media platform X (formerly Twitter) could face a potential ban in the United Kingdom following allegations that its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok was used to generate sexualised images of women and children, including material that may constitute child sexual abuse content, according to a report by The Telegraph.
The report said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has asked the media regulator Office of Communications (Ofcom) to ensure that “all options are on the table” after it emerged that Grok was allegedly used to create and circulate disturbing images online.
UK Government Weighs Tough Action Under Online Safety Act
Citing sources within 10 Downing Street, The Telegraph reported that the UK government is considering the full scope of powers under the Online Safety Act, which includes imposing multi-billion-pound fines or even blocking access to X across Britain.
X currently has an estimated 650 million users globally, including around 20 million users in the UK.
According to the report, Prime Minister Starmer has urged X to take immediate action.
“X has got to get its act together and get this material down — and we will take action on this because it’s simply not tolerable,” Starmer was quoted as saying.
Regulator Flags Potentially Illegal Content
The warning from the UK Prime Minister follows reports that thousands of AI-generated images depicting women and children in sexualised poses, including bikinis or undressed appearances, were created using Grok.
On Wednesday, the UK’s internet watchdog reportedly confirmed that it had uncovered images generated using Grok that were shared on a dark web forum and would qualify as illegal child sexual abuse material under British law.
It is understood that the Prime Minister’s Office has raised the issue directly with X.
Starmer: ‘This Is Wrong and Unlawful’
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Starmer reiterated his stance, saying:
“X has got to get a grip of this and Ofcom has our full support to take action in relation to this. This is wrong. It’s unlawful. We’re not going to tolerate it. I’ve asked for all options to be on the table.”
Musk Critical of UK’s Online Safety Law
The report also noted that Elon Musk has previously criticised Britain’s Online Safety Act, claiming that the legislation is designed for the “suppression of the people.”
However, under the Act, UK authorities have sweeping powers to restrict or block access to social media platforms that repeatedly fail to remove illegal content, including child abuse imagery and revenge pornography.
Ofcom’s Powers and Legal Process
According to The Telegraph, Ofcom has the authority to apply for a court order compelling internet service providers or app stores — such as BT or smartphone platforms — to block access to offending websites and apps in the UK. While this power exists, it has never been used so far.
Before imposing a ban, Ofcom would be required to follow a formal legal process, including conducting an investigation and issuing a provisional ruling. If a company refuses to address regulatory concerns, the watchdog can then move to block access to the platform.
Ofcom has reportedly confirmed that it has made “urgent contact” with X and warned that it could launch a formal investigation into the alleged misuse of Grok.