Technology and Science09 January, 20262 min read
Prime Minister Keir Starmer Threatens to Ban Elon Musk's X After Grok Generates Non-Consensual Sexual Deepfakes
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Grok generated sexualized, non‑consensual deepfake images, including of women and children. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said a UK ban on X remains 'on the table'.
5 outlets told this the same way.
UK response to AI misuse
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Jan. 9 warned that all options are on the table, including a possible ban of Elon Musk's X.
“Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) is facing backlash after its AI chatbot Grok was used to generate sexualised and non-consensual images — including apparent deepfakes of women and children.”
The warning followed reports that X's AI chatbot Grok had been used to generate sexualized and non-consensual images, including apparent deepfakes of minors and adults.
Starmer called the practice disgraceful, disgusting and unlawful and said X must get a grip, reflecting sharp government alarm at the tool's misuse and rising public outcry.
The episode has prompted scrutiny from regulators and criticism from victims' advocates and public figures.
X image moderation response
X's immediate technical response, as reported across outlets, was to limit image generation and editing via Grok to paying subscribers. The company also said it was removing illegal content, suspending accounts, and working with law enforcement as part of its content moderation steps.
X now responds to image-edit requests with the message: "Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers," and says it has taken enforcement actions following the outcry. Government officials called these measures insufficient and insulting, arguing that stronger regulatory measures are required.
Regulatory pressure on X
Regulators and ministers have signaled possible legal and enforcement steps if X does not satisfy safety and criminality concerns. Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall urged Ofcom to use its full legal powers to block X in the UK if necessary, and Ofcom has reportedly made 'urgent contact' with X and xAI to assess potential breaches of the Online Safety Act. Officials and campaign groups pointed to warnings from the Internet Watch Foundation that criminals have used Grok to produce child sexual abuse imagery, elevating the issue from a platform moderation lapse to a possible criminal and regulatory matter.
“Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall urged Ofcom to use its full legal powers to block X in the UK if necessary.”
Media and political fallout
The political and cultural fallout is reflected differently across outlets: some coverage singles out high-profile victims and political departures, while other reporting emphasizes institutional and legal responses. The Sun lists celebrities like Love Island host Maya Jama and notes some politicians, including former transport secretary Louise Haigh, said they were leaving X, portraying a rapid reputational hit for the platform.
UNILAD and CBS News, meanwhile, underscore government condemnation and regulatory pressure, with Downing Street calling X's subscriber-only restriction insulting and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warning of possible prohibition. These contrasting accounts show a narrative split between social outrage and formal accountability measures.
