Elon Musk Claims “Free Speech” Defense as UK Government Threatens to Shut Down X Over AI Abuse

Elon Musk has accused the UK government of trying to stifle free speech after ministers threatened to ban X over the misuse of its Grok AI. The platform faces a potential shutdown following reports that the AI was used to generate deepfake pornography of women and children. Musk appeared to taunt regulators by noting that Grok had reached the top of the UK App Store charts amidst the controversy.
The abuse facilitated by Grok involved the digital manipulation of photographs to create sexually explicit content without the subjects’ consent. Images of women and teenage girls were altered to show them in swimwear or in violent scenarios involving physical restraint and injury. The creation of images depicting minors in sexualized contexts has raised serious legal concerns regarding child protection.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall warned that the government is prepared to use its powers under the Online Safety Act to block access to X. She stated that Ofcom is investigating and is expected to announce its findings swiftly. Kendall emphasized that the platform cannot operate outside the law and must take immediate steps to remove the harmful content.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the UK’s concerns, calling the situation “abhorrent” and a failure of corporate responsibility. While some right-wing politicians have defended Musk, the overwhelming consensus among safety experts is that the platform has failed to protect its users. The incident has intensified the debate around the regulation of generative AI.
X has implemented partial restrictions, blocking image generation for free users and filtering some keywords. However, the paid version of the tool remains powerful, and similar apps continue to operate unchecked. MPs are calling for urgent legislation to ban “nudification” technology and to prevent platforms from profiting from the exploitation of women and children.