The media watchdog has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X as it has been reported the AI Chatbot Grok can create sexualised images of children.
Ofcom said they have “urgently” contacted X on 5 January 2026 and set a deadline of 9 January for the social media firm to “explain what steps it has taken to comply with its duties to protect its users in the UK”.
A spokesman for the watchdog said, “Reports of Grok being used to create and share illegal non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material on X have been deeply concerning.
“Platforms must protect people in the UK from content that’s illegal in the UK, and we won’t hesitate to investigate where we suspect companies are failing in their duties, especially where there’s a risk of harm to children.
“We’ll progress this investigation as a matter of the highest priority, while ensuring we follow due process.
As the UK’s independent online safety enforcement agency, it’s important we make sure our investigations are legally robust and fairly decided.”
Sir Keir Starmer told Greatest Hits Radio, “This is disgraceful. It’s disgusting. And it’s not to be tolerated.
“X has got to get a grip of this. 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.
“It’s disgusting. X need to get their act together and get this material down. We will take action on this because it’s simply not tolerable.”
Over the weekend Musk hit out at Starmer’s government calling them “fascist” over threats to ban X.
Musk stands defiant against the British government as X’s AI chatbot Grok can create sexual images of people, including children.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said, “I welcome Ofcom’s urgency in launching a formal investigation today,” she said in a statement.
“It is vital that Ofcom complete this investigation swiftly because the public – and most importantly the victims – will not accept any delay.
“The content created and shared using Grok in recent days has been deeply disturbing and I will be updating Parliament later today on the Government’s response.”
Musk wrote on X saying the government “want any excuse for censorship,” has asked on his social media platform, “Why is the UK government so fascist?”
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said she would back regulator Ofcom should they decide to ban X if they do not comply with UK law.
She wrote, “Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent.”
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