Regulator probes social media platform X following reports of AI-generated illegal images, prompting government condemnation and calls for stronger enforcement to combat harmful synthetic content.
Body Copy
Ofcom has opened a formal assessment of X after reports that the social media platform’s AI chatbot, Grok, has been used to generate and circulate illegal non‑consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material. According to The Guardian, the regulator is examining whether X breached duties under the Online Safety Act. [2]
The controversy centres on allegations that Grok’s image tools were used to produce sexually explicit images of women and children without consent, prompting sharp condemnation from ministers. The Guardian reports that Technology Secretary Liz Kendall urged X to act swiftly to remove such material and stressed that the UK government will not tolerate its proliferation online. [3][6]
Ofcom has made urgent contact with both X and xAI to establish what steps have been taken to protect users in the UK, while the platform says it has suspended accounts that generate sexually explicit imagery. Journalists and campaigners, however, say content continues to circulate on the service despite those measures. [4][7]
Political pressure has intensified as campaign groups and opposition figures described the situation as evidence of weak enforcement and inadequate moderation by tech companies. The Guardian records calls for stronger, faster intervention to prevent AI tools being used to create and spread abusive imagery. [4]
In response to the outcry, Grok restricted its image‑generation function, curtailing the feature for most users while reportedly allowing it for paying subscribers; critics argue that making moderation a paywalled feature is not an adequate remedy. The Guardian coverage notes continued concern about the platform’s approach to preventing non‑consensual imagery. [4][3]
Advocates and lawmakers are urging clearer, enforceable obligations on platforms that deploy generative AI, warning that existing rules must be applied robustly to deter misuse and protect victims. The Guardian’s reporting highlights widespread agreement that regulators and companies must move faster to stop harmful synthetic content. [2][7]
Source Reference Map
Story idea inspired by: [1]
Sources by paragraph:
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 earliest known publication date being January 12, 2026. The content has not appeared elsewhere prior to this date, and there are no discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes. The report is based on recent events and includes updated data, justifying a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes are present in the narrative, indicating original content. The information is paraphrased from reputable sources, with no evidence of reused or varying quotes.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from CoinGeek, a cryptocurrency-focused news outlet. While it is not a mainstream media organisation, it is known within its niche. However, the lack of broader coverage from more established outlets raises some concerns about the reliability of the information.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims align with recent reports from reputable sources, including The Guardian and AP News, regarding the UK’s investigation into X’s AI chatbot Grok for generating explicit images. The narrative provides additional context and details not found in the original reports, suggesting a deeper analysis.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, original, and aligns with recent reports from reputable sources. While originating from a niche outlet, the information is corroborated by broader coverage, and no significant issues are identified.
Supercharge Your Content Strategy
Feel free to test this content on your social media sites to see whether it works for your community.
