The United Kingdom is weighing the possibility of blocking social media platform X after allegations emerged that its artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, has been used to create explicit images of women and children.
The issue came to light following a report published by The Telegraph on Thursday, January 8, 2026, which said Prime Minister Keir Starmer has instructed the country’s media regulator, Ofcom, to examine every available option in response to the development.
Starmer reacted sharply to the allegations, describing the reported content as “disgraceful” and completely unacceptable. He stressed that any platform allowing such material to circulate would face serious consequences, adding that X must take immediate steps to remove the content or risk regulatory action.
The situation has raised alarm because it allegedly involves AI-generated nude images, including those of children, which are strictly prohibited under UK law. The government’s Online Safety Act of 2023 gives authorities extensive powers to regulate online platforms and crack down on harmful content, particularly material that exploits or endangers minors.
Under the law, companies that repeatedly fail to remove illegal content—such as child sexual abuse material or non-consensual explicit images—can face severe penalties. These range from heavy fines to service restrictions, and in extreme cases, a complete ban within the UK.
X, previously known as Twitter, is one of the largest social media platforms globally, with an estimated 650 million users worldwide. Around 20 million users are based in the UK, meaning any restriction would significantly affect digital communication and news sharing in the country.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, has responded by amplifying posts that caution against banning the platform. He has argued that X serves as a major source of news in the UK and has consistently criticised the Online Safety Act, claiming it undermines free speech and open expression.
Meanwhile, Ofcom confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the matter and has contacted X on an urgent basis. The regulator is assessing whether the platform has breached UK online safety rules.
Officials noted that blocking X would require a full legal and regulatory process, including a detailed investigation. However, if X is found to be non-compliant or fails to address the regulator’s concerns, Ofcom could legally move to restrict or block access to the platform across the UK.
The unfolding situation is expected to intensify discussions around artificial intelligence, digital safety, freedom of expression, and the responsibility of technology companies to protect users—especially children—from online harm.
