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The UK government is set to implement a new law criminalizing the creation of non-consensual intimate images, a move prompted by growing worries surrounding Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall revealed plans not only to outlaw the production of such AI-generated images but also to target companies supplying the tools used to create them. Addressing the House of Commons, Kendall emphasized that AI-generated images depicting women and children in compromising states—produced without consent—should not be dismissed as harmless, but recognized as deliberate instruments of abuse.
This announcement comes shortly after Ofcom confirmed it was launching an investigation into X, formerly known as Twitter, due to serious concerns about Grok manipulating images of individuals. Should X be found in breach of regulations, Ofcom has the authority to impose fines up to 10% of the company’s global earnings or £18 million, depending on which amount is higher. Moreover, if X fails to cooperate, Ofcom could pursue a court order to block the platform entirely within the UK. Kendall pressed the regulator to expedite the inquiry and provide a clear schedule for its conclusion, stressing the urgency of the matter.
Current legislation already prohibits sharing deepfakes of adults, but enforcement has only just begun following the passage of the Data (Use and Access) Act in June 2025, which criminalizes the creation or solicitation of such non-consensual images. Responding to critiques from campaigners accusing the government of slow action, Kendall declared to Parliament that the offence would be enforced within the week. She also indicated that the issue would be prioritized under the Online Safety Act, emphasizing the illegality of distributing intimate images without consent and warning that offenders would face full legal consequences.
Beyond individual responsibility, Kendall stressed that platforms hosting such harmful content must also be accountable, including X. The government intends to introduce further measures against “nudification” apps under the Crime and Policing Bill, which will criminalize companies providing tools used for non-consensual image creation. Kendall urged technology companies to implement protective measures recommended by Ofcom to safeguard women and girls on their platforms swiftly, signaling a readiness to take further action if necessary. Legal expert Jamie Hurworth noted that Kendall’s statements highlight the government’s serious commitment to tackling this issue, though he acknowledged the challenge faced by police in investigating and prosecuting offenders.
Following these developments, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer affirmed the government’s determination to act decisively, warning X that failure to control Grok would result in intervention. Ofcom’s investigation will assess whether X has adequately removed illegal content and taken sufficient steps to prevent UK users from accessing it. The scrutiny reflects a wider global backlash against Grok’s image generation capabilities, with countries like Malaysia and Indonesia temporarily blocking access to the tool. While Elon Musk has accused the UK government of seeking “any excuse for censorship,” Kendall refuted the claim, clarifying that the measures address violence against women and girls rather than restrict free speech.
Shadow technology secretary Julia Lopez welcomed the investigation and expressed her party’s support for banning nudification tools. However, she criticized Kendall’s recent backing of potential measures that could block X in the UK, arguing that such actions are extraordinarily severe. Lopez highlighted the platform’s positive roles in promoting transparency, democratic engagement, and free exchange of ideas—even those that may be unpopular. This underscores the complex balance between protecting individuals from harm and preserving open digital communications
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