Ofcom, the UK’s media watchdog, has launched a formal investigation into X. The move follows alarming reports that people are using the platform’s AI chatbot, Grok, to create and share non-consensual nude images and sexualized pictures of children. Ofcom described these reports as “deeply concerning” and is now checking whether X is complying with the country’s Online Safety Act.
The investigation focuses on whether X is doing enough to protect people from illegal content. Ofcom wants to know whether the platform has systems to prevent users from seeing “priority” illegal material and how quickly X removes these posts once they appear. The regulator is also looking into whether X conducted a proper risk assessment before launching these AI tools and whether it has a reliable way to keep children away from adult content.
This probe is moving fast. Ofcom reached out to X on January 5 and received a reply by January 9. Now, the agency is rushing to review the evidence. A spokesperson for Ofcom stated that protecting UK citizens is their top priority, and they will not hesitate to act if they find that X is failing its duties, especially regarding child safety.
The consequences for X could be severe. If Ofcom decides the company broke the law, it can issue massive fines. These fines could reach £18 million or even 10% of the company’s total worldwide revenue—whichever is higher. In extreme cases, the regulator could even ask the courts to block advertisers from the platform or tell internet providers to shut down access to the site in the UK.
Other countries have already taken even tougher action. Both Indonesia and Malaysia blocked Grok this week. Officials in those nations say the AI lacks the safety guards needed to stop users from creating sexually explicit deepfakes of women and children. They called these AI images a serious violation of human rights and personal dignity. While X claims it is limiting these tools to paid subscribers, many people can still access them for free, keeping the platform under intense global pressure.
