The UK Government has warned that Elon Musk’s social media platform X could potentially be blocked in the UK.
The news comes amid concerns that it is failing to adequately protect users from harmful content generated by its AI tool, Grok.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said X “is not doing enough to keep its customers safe online”, confirming the government would fully support any enforcement action taken by Ofcom, including the possibility of banning the platform if it is found to be in breach of the Online Safety Act.
Ofcom has launched a fast-tracked investigation into Grok after the AI tool was used to generate large volumes of sexualised images of women and children, often by manipulating real photographs.
Kyle said the regulator had already requested information from X and was now conducting what he described as an “expedited inquiry”.
He warned that Ofcom’s powers range from “heavy, heavy fines all the way through to banning X from our country”, adding that the government stands “fully behind Ofcom” in exercising those powers if necessary.
Musk has slammed critics of the platform, saying “they want any excuse for censorship”.
He responded by reposting messages criticising the UK government’s stance, including one featuring AI-generated images of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a bikini.
“They just want to suppress free speech,” Musk wrote whilst quote-reposting the original post, framing the backlash as politically motivated censorship rather than a safety issue.
The pressure on X has intensified after Malaysia and Indonesia became the first countries in the world to block access to Grok outright.
Both governments cited repeated misuse of the tool to generate pornographic and non-consensual deepfake images, including content involving women and children.
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Indonesia’s communications and digital affairs minister, Meutya Hafid, said the use of Grok to create sexually explicit images violated human rights, dignity and online safety, and confirmed the government had sought clarification from X over how the tool operates.
Concerns in the UK have focused on similar harms, with Kyle saying it was “appalling” that Grok appeared to have been released without adequate testing, particularly given its ability to manipulate images.
He described meeting a woman whose image had been altered by AI into a sexualised setting, saying the experience made him “feel sick to my stomach”.
The issue has also drawn sharp criticism from Downing Street after X announced last week that image generation and editing via Grok would be restricted to paying subscribers.
A government spokesperson said the move was “unacceptable”, arguing it simply turned a tool capable of producing unlawful images into a premium feature.
Any move to block X in the UK would require a court order and would likely trigger huge backlash.
The SpaceX founder and tech tycoon has previously accused the UK government of attacking free speech.
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom can compel platforms to remove harmful content, impose multimillion-pound fines and, as a last resort, seek court approval to require internet providers to block access to a service entirely.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has said she expects swift action from the regulator and has made clear that ministers would support a block if X refuses to comply with UK law.
A spokesperson for the Information Commissioner’s Office told BusinessCloud last Wednesday: “People have a right to use social media knowing their personal data is being handled lawfully and with respect.
“We are aware of reports raising serious concerns about content produced by Grok. We have contacted X and xAI to seek clarity on the measures they have in place to comply with UK data protection law and protect individuals’ rights.
“Once we have reviewed their response, we will quickly assess whether further action may be required.”
A founder of the UK’s first rival to ChatGPT also weighed in on the matter, claiming that the “industry needs to wake up”.
Locai founder James Drayson, son of former Science Minister Lord Drayson, confirmed that his rapidly growing AI firm is refusing to roll out imagine generation until it’s truly safe.
“It’s impossible for any AI company to promise their model can’t be tricked into creating harmful content, including explicit images,” he said.
“These systems are clever, but they’re not foolproof. The public deserves honesty.
“We’re the only AI company openly working to fix these problems, not pretending they don’t exist. If there’s a risk, we’ll say so – and we’ll show our work.
“We’ve seen the tragic consequences when AI goes wrong. Right now, the UK is relying on foreign AI that doesn’t share our values. We need our own models, built for Britain, with British laws and ethics at their core. That’s how we protect our rights and our kids.
“We believe the UK can lead the world in responsible, values-driven AI, if we choose to. That means tough regulation, open debate, and a commitment to transparency.
“AI is here to stay. The challenge is to make it as safe, fair, and trustworthy as possible, so that its rewards far outweigh its risks.”
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