X Tightens Grok

The UK government has increased pressure on social media firms after X imposed new limits on its AI chatbot Grok following backlash over image misuse. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall welcomed the step but said Ofcom would continue its investigation.

X said Grok will stop editing images of people in revealing clothing and restrict the creation of similar images of real individuals where such content is illegal, after reports the tool had been used to sexualise women and children.

Kendall framed the moment as a test case for the UK’s Online Safety Act, which she said has enabled swift action against powerful tech platforms. She added: “I shall not rest until all social media platforms meet their legal duties and provide a service that is safe and age-appropriate to all users.”

While the Technology Secretary stopped short of naming companies she believes may still be falling short, Ofcom said its probe—launched earlier this week—will continue, as it seeks clarity on how the issue arose and how safeguards are being strengthened.

X owner Elon Musk has said Grok was built to reject illegal requests, blaming misuse on hostile manipulation. The company has since moved to geoblock the generation of images of real people in revealing attire in countries where such content is unlawful, a measure critics say can still be bypassed via VPNs.

X said the tighter controls are designed to increase accountability and curb abuse, applying to all users, including subscribers, with image creation and editing restricted to premium accounts.

In Westminster, a Downing Street source framed the move as a political win for Keir Starmer, who had condemned the image manipulation in stark terms. Campaigners agreed, with Andrea Simon saying pressure from victims, activists, and government had compelled X to act, while warning that platforms must not be allowed to police themselves while benefiting from harmful content.

The episode also feeds into a wider global debate on generative AI. Figures such as Sam Altman have cautioned about deploying powerful tools without safeguards, while European regulators led by Margrethe Vestager continue to push for tougher oversight of big tech. In the UK, digital safety campaigner Beeban Kidron has played a key role in shaping the Online Safety Act now being tested by the Grok controversy.