Generating key takeaways...
Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into X following allegations that its Grok AI chatbot was used to generate and share inappropriate images of children, prompting political and public concern about platform safety and regulation.
Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into X over allegations that its Grok AI chatbot was used to create and share sexualised images of children and undressed images of people, raising questions about the platform’s compliance with the UK’s Online Safety Act. According to the report by WalesOnline, the regulator moved quickly after media reports and complaints, and Ofcom itself has confirmed it has launched an inquiry to establish whether X has failed to meet its legal duties to protect users in the UK. [1][2]
The regulator said it had “urgently made contact with X on Monday 5 January and set a firm deadline of Friday 9 January for it to explain what steps it has taken to comply with its duties to protect its users in the UK.” The statement added that X responded by the deadline and that Ofcom “carried out an expedited assessment of available evidence as a matter of urgency” before deciding to open a formal investigation. Ofcom’s public briefing makes clear the probe centres on whether X took appropriate steps to prevent such content, and to remove it swiftly when identified. [1][2]
The allegations prompted a strong political response in Westminster. WalesOnline reported that Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “I welcome Ofcom’s urgency in launching a formal investigation today.” She emphasised the need for speed, saying that “the public – and most importantly the victims – will not accept any delay.” Business Secretary Peter Kyle told broadcasters he expected the production of “nudifying images” by Grok to be addressed while stressing that enforcement is a matter for Ofcom, not ministers. Elon Musk responded by accusing the UK Government of attempting to suppress free speech, characterising ministers’ actions as “fascist” in social media posts. [1]
Industry and legal commentators note that the Online Safety Act gives Ofcom a range of enforcement tools that, in the most serious cases, could amount to effectively blocking or restricting a service in the UK. According to reporting in The Guardian, ministers have warned that X could face a ban if breaches are found, signalling political support for robust regulatory intervention as scrutiny of Grok intensifies. Ofcom has previously set out its duties under the Act to require platforms to take proportionate steps to prevent and remove illegal content, including child sexual abuse material. [3][4][2]
Ofcom said it has been liaising with both X and xAI, the company behind Grok, as part of an expedited assessment of the companies’ responses to the reports. WalesOnline reported the regulator is examining evidence that may amount to intimate image abuse or pornography and is assessing whether adequate safeguards and moderation were in place for an AI tool that can generate images. The companies’ explanations to Ofcom will form part of the formal investigation. [1][2]
The episode has reignited wider concerns about the pace at which generative AI tools have been deployed and the adequacy of safeguards to prevent misuse. The Guardian coverage describes a public and political outcry over the proliferation of manipulated sexual images created by Grok and frames the investigation as a test case for how regulators will address harms produced by AI tools integrated into social platforms. Industry data and advocacy groups previously warned that image-generation tools can be used to create abusive and non-consensual content at scale, and regulators and governments are increasingly pressing for clearer safety-by-design standards and more rapid takedown mechanisms. [3][6]
📌 Reference Map:
##Reference Map:
- [1] (WalesOnline) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5
- [2] (Ofcom) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 4
- [3] (The Guardian) – Paragraph 4, Paragraph 6
- [4] (The Guardian) – Paragraph 4
- [6] (The Guardian) – Paragraph 6
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the Ofcom investigation into X’s Grok AI initiated on 12 January 2026. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 5 January 2026, when Ofcom made urgent contact with X regarding concerns over Grok’s ability to generate sexualised images of children. ([news.sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/ofcom-makes-urgent-contact-with-x-over-concerns-grok-ai-can-generate-sexualised-images-of-children-13490863?utm_source=openai)) This indicates that the content is fresh and not recycled.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes in the narrative, such as Ofcom’s statement on the investigation, are unique and not found in earlier material. This suggests the content is original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from WalesOnline, a reputable news outlet. Additionally, the Ofcom press release is cited, providing authoritative information. This strengthens the reliability of the report.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims in the narrative are plausible and corroborated by multiple reputable sources. Ofcom’s investigation into X over Grok’s sexualised imagery has been widely reported, including by The Guardian and Sky News. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/12/ofcom-investigating-x-outcry-sexualised-ai-images-grok-elon-musk?utm_source=openai)) The narrative includes specific details such as dates and direct quotes, enhancing its credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from reputable outlets. The claims are plausible and corroborated by multiple sources, with specific details enhancing credibility. No significant issues were identified, indicating a high level of confidence in the report’s accuracy.
