The creation of sexually explicit images using artificial intelligence without a person's consent will become a criminal offence in the United Kingdom this week, the government has announced. The move comes as the communications regulator, Ofcom, launches a formal investigation into the AI chatbot Grok on the social media platform X over its alleged use to generate such material.
New Laws Target AI Abuse at Source
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed that sections of the Data (Use and Access) Act passed last year will be implemented imminently. The provisions will make it illegal not only to create non-consensual intimate images with AI but also to request their creation.
Furthermore, the government will criminalise apps designed to produce nude fake images of individuals. This forms part of the wider Crime and Policing Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, which will hold companies accountable for supplying tools specifically intended to create such abusive content.
Ms Kendall stated this approach is about "targeting the problem at its source". She strongly denied that the measures restrict freedom of speech, framing them instead as essential for tackling violence against women and girls and upholding British values of decency and respect online.
Ofcom's Urgent Investigation into X and Grok
The legislative action follows swiftly on the heels of a formal investigation launched by Ofcom into X, the platform owned by Elon Musk. The probe focuses on whether the company's Grok AI tool has been used to create and share sexualised imagery, potentially constituting intimate image abuse or child sexual abuse material.
Ofcom contacted X on Monday 12 January 2026, setting a deadline of the following Friday for the company to explain its steps to protect UK users. Having assessed X's response, the regulator is now examining if the platform failed to comply with its legal duties under the Online Safety Act.
"The content created and shared using Grok in recent days has been deeply disturbing," said Liz Kendall, urging Ofcom to complete its investigation swiftly for the sake of victims.
Political Reactions and International Tensions
The situation has sparked a significant political debate. Downing Street indicated that all options are on the table, including the government ceasing its use of X if the platform does not address concerns. However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the prospect of a ban as the "wrong answer", accusing the Labour government of lacking a plan.
Internationally, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy reported that US Vice President JD Vance found the misuse of Grok "entirely unacceptable" during discussions. Conversely, Elon Musk responded to the UK's stance by accusing the government of "fascism" and attempting to curb free speech, a sentiment echoed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage who warned against suppressing free speech.
The government maintains its actions are a sovereign exercise of power to uphold the law and protect citizens from a new and deeply harmful form of digital abuse.
