Ofcom launches investigation into X over Grok imagery
The UK’s online safety watchdog, Ofcom, has launched a formal investigation into X to determine whether the platform has complied with its legal duties to protect people in the UK from illegal content.
The move follows reports that the Grok AI chatbot account on X was used to create and share undressed and sexualised images of people, including sexualised images of children, which may amount to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Ofcom said it made urgent contact with X on Monday 5 January and set a deadline of Friday 9 January for the company to explain what steps it had taken to protect its UK users.
X responded by the deadline, and Ofcom carried out an expedited assessment before deciding to open a formal investigation.
The investigation will examine whether X has breached its duties under the Online Safety Act.
This includes assessing risks of UK users being exposed to illegal content, ensuring swift removal of such material, protecting users’ privacy, and using effective age assurance tools to prevent children from accessing pornography.
An Ofcom spokesperson 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.”
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has the power to impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of a company’s global turnover if it finds a breach of the law.
In serious cases, courts can also order payment providers or advertisers to withdraw services from a platform, or require internet service providers to block access in the UK.
Ofcom said its role is not to remove individual posts or accounts but to assess whether platforms are taking appropriate steps to prevent users in the UK from accessing illegal or harmful content.
The regulator said it would provide an update on the X investigation “as soon as possible”.
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