The socialist UK government is mulling plans to ban the social media giant X, owned by Elon Musk, over supposed online safety concerns.
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has voiced support for regulator Ofcom to potentially restrict access to X if the platform fails to comply with national online safety laws.
The nation’s censors are specifically citing the use of X’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Grok, which has been used to manipulate digital images.
The government argues that it is a crime to create AI-generated images of people without their consent.
Ofcom is conducting an urgent assessment of the situation after contacting X on Monday and setting a Friday deadline for the company to explain its actions, to which X has responded.
Downing Street has also criticized a recent change to Grok’s image function, now limited to paid users.
The foreign government claims the change is disrespectful to victims of sexual violence.
The issue has sparked heated debate over digital accountability and the balance between free expression and safety in online spaces.
Grok, X’s AI chatbot, has landed in hot water for enabling users to digitally alter images of prominent individuals.
While critics claims they tools are used for sexual purposes, they are more often being used to mock politicians.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall didn’t mince words, stating:
“Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent.”
X’s response has been to restrict Grok’s image feature to those shelling out a monthly fee, a move Downing Street called “insulting” to alleged victims.
Meanwhile, Ofcom is demanding that X justify its handling of Grok.
An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed:
“We urgently made contact [with X] on Monday and set a firm deadline of today [Friday] to explain themselves, to which we have received a response.”
Now, an expedited review is underway to determine next steps.
Under the UK’s censorship laws, the Online Safety Act, Ofcom holds the power to seek court orders that could kneecap X’s ability to operate or raise funds in the country if it stonewalls compliance.
These measures, while largely untested, signal that regulators mean business.
Elon Musk, never one to shy from a fight, fired back with:
“The UK government wants any excuse for censorship.”
Ofcom’s findings, expected soon, will likely shape whether this escalates to a full showdown.
If a ban looms, expect Musk to push back against government censorship.
For now, the ball is in Ofcom’s court as it weighs X’s response and the broader implications of Grok’s use.
READ MORE – Elon Musk Declares ‘War’ After Somali TikToker Threatens His Life
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