Ofcom raises concerns with xAI.
Ofcom has contacted Elon Musk’s AI company xAI after reports that its chatbot Grok can create sexualised images of children. The regulator said it acted quickly after seeing claims that the tool can also digitally undress women.
According to Ofcom, it is now reviewing whether Grok breaches UK online safety laws.
Images altered without consent.
The BanerClub reviewed multiple posts on X showing users asking Grok to change real photos of women. In several cases, the AI made women appear in bikinis or placed them in sexual situations. The women involved did not give consent and were not informed.
As a result, campaigners and journalists raised concerns about abuse and harassment enabled by the tool.
X did not respond to requests for comment. However, the company posted a warning on Sunday. It told users not to use Grok to create illegal content, including child sexual abuse material.
Musk and xAI respond.
Elon Musk later said that anyone who asks Grok to generate illegal material would face the same consequences as uploading it themselves.
At the same time, xAI’s acceptable use policy bans pornographic content involving real people. Despite this rule, users continue to misuse the tool to create non-consensual sexual images.
International scrutiny grows
Meanwhile, the European Commission confirmed it is examining the issue. Officials said they are especially concerned about explicit content and images that appear childlike.
In addition, authorities in France, Malaysia, and India are also reviewing the situation.
The UK Internet Watch Foundation said it received reports from the public about Grok-generated images. So far, it has not found content that meets the legal definition of child sexual abuse imagery under UK law.
Personal impact on victims
Journalist Samantha Smith said users created fake bikini images of her using Grok. She described the experience as deeply distressing.
She explained that although the images were not real, they looked like her. As a result, she felt violated and reduced to a sexual stereotype.
Legal duties under UK law
Under the Online Safety Act, creating or sharing intimate images without consent is illegal. This includes AI-generated deepfake images.
Because of this, tech companies must reduce the risk of users seeing such content. They must also remove it quickly once notified.
Strong reaction from the EU and the UK
A European Commission spokesperson called the content illegal, appalling, and unacceptable in Europe. He also reminded X that the EU takes enforcement seriously. In December, regulators fined X 120 million euros for breaking digital platform rules.
Finally, the UK Home Office said it plans to ban nudification tools. Under new laws, anyone who supplies such technology could face prison and heavy fines.
