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The UK government has issued a strong warning to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said X could lose the right to self-regulate if it fails to control its AI chatbot, Grok.
The warning follows public anger over Grok being used to create non-consensual intimate images. These images were made using artificial intelligence and shared online without consent. Many involved women and children.
The government says this content is illegal, harmful, and unacceptable. New laws are now being enforced to stop it.
This article explains what happened, why the UK acted, what the new laws mean, and what could happen next.
What Is Grok and Why Is It Controversial
Grok is an AI chatbot built into X. It can answer questions, edit images, and create new visuals.
Users discovered that Grok could be prompted to alter photos of real people. Some users asked it to remove clothing or create sexualised versions of images. These images were made without consent.
The altered images spread quickly across social media. Many were deeply harmful and humiliating. Some involved minors.
This raised serious concerns about how AI tools are being used and controlled.
Why the UK Government Stepped In
UK officials said existing laws were not being enforced fast enough. While it was already illegal to share sexual deepfake images, creating or requesting them was not fully criminalised in practice.
A law passed in 2025 addressed this gap, but it had not yet been activated. Following the Grok controversy, the government decided to bring it into force immediately.
The government stated that AI-generated abuse is not harmless. It causes real damage to victims and must be treated like any other crime.
Starmer’s Warning to X
Speaking to Labour MPs, Sir Keir Starmer said that if X could not control Grok, the government would do it instead.
He warned that self-regulation is a privilege, not a right. If platforms fail to protect users, the state will intervene.
This marked one of the strongest public statements against a major social media platform in the UK.
New Laws Now in Force
The UK has activated and strengthened several legal measures.
Creating or requesting non-consensual intimate images is now a criminal offence. This applies even if the images are made by AI.
Sharing or threatening to share such images is also illegal.
Supplying tools designed to create these images is being criminalised. This targets nudification apps and similar software.
The government says this approach tackles the problem at its source.
Role of the Online Safety Act
The Online Safety Act places legal duties on platforms that host user content.
Platforms must remove illegal material quickly. They must also prevent such content from spreading.
If platforms fail, regulators can take action.
This includes fines, court orders, and blocking access in the UK.
The government made clear that responsibility does not only lie with users. Platforms must also be held accountable.
Ofcom Investigation Into X
The UK regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into X.
It is examining whether X failed to meet its safety duties related to Grok.
If Ofcom finds breaches of the law, X could face major penalties.
These include fines of up to 10 percent of global revenue or a fixed maximum amount, whichever is higher.
In extreme cases, courts could order internet providers to block X in the UK.
Government Response on Free Speech Claims
Some critics claim these actions restrict free speech.
The government rejected this argument.
Officials said the issue is not speech. It is abuse.
They stressed that sexualised images created without consent are illegal, regardless of how they are made.
Protecting people from harm does not weaken free expression.
What X Has Said So Far
X stated that users who prompt Grok to create illegal content will face consequences.
The company said illegal AI content is treated the same as illegal uploads.
X has also limited some image features to paid users.
UK officials said these steps are not enough. They want clear proof that harmful content is being prevented, not just punished later.
Why This Matters Beyond the UK
The issue is not limited to one country.
Other governments are closely watching how the UK handles AI image abuse.
Some countries have already taken steps to restrict or block AI tools linked to sexualised deepfakes.
This suggests tighter global rules may be coming for AI platforms.
The UK’s actions could set a model for future AI regulation.
Impact on Users and Developers
For everyday users, the message is clear.
Do not create, request, or share intimate images without consent. AI does not make this legal.
For developers, the pressure is growing to build safety into AI tools.
Tools that can easily be abused will face stricter scrutiny.
What Happens Next
Ofcom is expected to move quickly with its investigation.
The government has urged regulators not to delay decisions.
If X fails to comply, penalties will follow.
The situation signals a clear shift. Governments are no longer waiting for platforms to fix problems on their own.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s response to the Grok controversy shows a firm stance on AI misuse.
Non-consensual AI images are now treated as serious crimes.
Platforms that fail to protect users risk losing control over their own systems.
This moment could shape how AI is governed worldwide.
