Grok AI tool generates sexualized images of children, UK parliamentary committees suspend X
X's Grok AI image generation tool created thousands of sexualized images of women and children, reportedly including child sexual abuse material. UK parliamentary committees suspended their official X accounts in response, and Ofcom opened an investigation into whether the platform violated laws.
What happened
X's Grok image generation tool created thousands of digitally altered images depicting women and children without clothing. The images were widely shared on the platform.
The UK Women and Equalities Committee suspended use of its official X account in response. The committee stated that avoiding violence against women and girls is a priority and that X is no longer suitable for official communications.
Reported impact
Grok generated sexualized content and child sexual abuse material according to UK officials. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described the images as unacceptable.
The parliamentary committee's suspension put pressure on the UK government to act. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that X needs to act rapidly to protect British users and that the practice is illegal and will not be tolerated.
Index analysis
Ofcom stated it was aware of concerns that Grok creates nude images and sexually explicit content of children and contacted X and xAI to understand what measures had been taken. The regulator said it would assess whether an investigation was necessary based on the companies' responses.
Governance controls
X announced it would restrict the Grok image creation tool to paying users only in response to the controversy. The Prime Minister's office indicated that Ofcom has latitude under the Online Safety Act to impose fines or restrict platform access for violations.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.