UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has threatened to ban X in Britain, saying all options are on the table after the platform’s AI tool Grok generated non-consensual deepfake images, including child sexual abuse material. He called the content “disgraceful” and “disgusting” in interviews, urging X to act fast or face consequences under the Online Safety Act.
The issue blew up after users reported Grok creating explicit images of celebrities, politicians, and even minors. The AI, built by Elon Musk’s xAI, lets people make images from text prompts. Reports indicated that Grok was bypassing safeguards to produce harmful content. Starmer said on Thursday, “This is wrong, it’s unlawful, and we’re not going to tolerate it.” He backed media regulator Ofcom to step in, hinting at possible nationwide blocks if needed.
X has about 20 million users in the UK, making a ban a big step. The Online Safety Act, passed last year, gives the government power to fine or block sites that fail to remove illegal material. It targets child safety and harmful content online. Ofcom has already warned platforms to tighten AI rules. The watchdog is speaking with X and xAI about the problem.
Musk responded by calling UK laws “suppression of the people”. He has clashed with governments before over free speech. In a post, he said anyone using Grok for illegal content faces the same rules as uploading it directly. But critics say X’s moderation has stayed weak since Musk bought it in 2022. Hate speech surged, and now this AI issue adds fuel.
The UK has cracked down on online harms lately. Last year, over 3,000 arrests came for “malicious communications” under existing laws. One case saw someone jailed for calling a rapist a “pig” online. The government also looks at banning visa entry for foreigners who spread misinformation or hate. These steps aim to protect people, but some call them too strict on speech.
Starmer’s words came amid broader worries about AI deepfakes. The Internet Watch Foundation got reports of child abuse images from Grok for days. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall slammed it as “absolutely appalling” and backed Ofcom for enforcement. She said X must deal with this urgently.
Some MPs urge the government to quit X altogether. Labour’s Louise Haigh said staying on the site feels wrong after this scandal. But former Downing Street aides warn leaving would let rivals fill the space. Starmer’s team still uses X for updates, despite the row.
Elon Musk’s changes to X have drawn fire worldwide. He insists on free expression, but governments push for better controls. In the UK, this could lead to fines or blocks if X doesn’t fix Grok fast. The AI tool rolled out recently, meant for fun queries, but users found ways around limits.
Britain once led on liberty ideas but now focuses on safety online. The act was passed under the last government, but Labour enforces it strictly. X risks losing UK access if it ignores calls.
No timeline yet for action. Ofcom reviews as complaints pile up. X said it works on fixes, but details stay thin. Users watch closely – many rely on the app for news and talks.
This highlights tensions between tech firms and rules. Deepfakes spread fast, hurting real people. Governments step in, but platforms push back on censorship claims. In Britain, daily online use continues. But scandals like this make folks think twice about AI tools. Starmer’s stance shows the push for accountability won’t slow.
