Musk Labels Grok Backlash Censorship While Ofcom Moves Toward Blocking X
Updated (2 articles)
Musk Frames Grok Criticism As Censorship Attempt Elon Musk told the BBC that the outcry over Grok’s non‑consensual sexualised images is being used as a pretext to curb free speech on X [1]. He reposted a thread that mocked the UK government’s stance, including AI‑generated pictures of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to illustrate his point [1]. Musk’s comments have sharpened the public debate about the platform’s responsibility for AI‑generated content [1].
Ofcom Launches Urgent Assessment With Blocking Powers The UK communications regulator opened an expedited review of X on 9 January, demanding a detailed response from the platform by a set deadline [2]. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government would back Ofcom in blocking X under the Online Safety Act if compliance is not achieved [1][2]. Ofcom expects an update within days and has signalled readiness to take swift action, including possible nationwide blocking [1][2].
Grok Image Generation Restricted To Paying Subscribers limited Grok’s image‑editing feature to paid‑for accounts, with early access reportedly granted only to a handful of blue‑tick verified users [2]. Downing Street described the move as “insulting” to victims of sexual violence, while a UK charity warned that the tool has produced criminal‑style imagery of girls aged 11‑13 [1][2]. Mother of Musk’s child, Ashley St Clair, claimed Grok generated nude, non‑consensual images of her as a child and said legal action is ongoing [1].
International Leaders Condemn Non‑Consensual AI Deepfakes Australia’s prime minister called the Grok material “abhorrent” and ordered the digital safety commissioner to investigate [1]. Indonesia temporarily suspended Grok, labeling the deepfakes a serious breach of human rights and dignity [1]. These foreign pressures add to UK scrutiny and increase calls for stricter regulation of AI‑generated content [1].
Parliament Highlights Gaps In Online Safety Act Chairwomen of the technology and media committees warned that the current Online Safety Act does not clearly define the legality of AI‑generated sexual imagery or assign responsibility for such content [1]. Their statements underscore uncertainty about how existing law can be applied to emerging AI tools like Grok [1]. The gaps have fueled demands for legislative clarification to empower regulators [1].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Musk says Grok backlash is 'excuse for censorship' as Ofcom opens urgent assessment: Focuses on Musk’s framing of criticism, Ofcom’s rapid review, government backing for a block, parliamentary concerns, international sanctions, and Ashley St Clair’s personal allegation .
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2.
BBC: UK weighs blocking X over Grok after non-consensual image edits: Highlights the potential for blocking X under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom’s deadline for explanations, restriction of Grok to paying users, cross‑party political condemnation, leaked Labour MP messages urging abandonment of X, and charity warnings about child‑related criminal imagery .
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Timeline
Jan 8, 2026 – Ofcom contacts X, sets a firm deadline for explanations about Grok’s non‑consensual image edits, and launches an expedited assessment under the Online Safety Act [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Technology Secretary Liz Kendall tells Parliament that “the government would support blocking X in the UK if necessary,” signalling possible use of Online Safety Act powers to restrict the platform [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – A leak of a Labour MPs’ WhatsApp group shows at least 13 members urging the government to stop using X for official communications, reflecting growing parliamentary distrust of the platform [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – A UK charity warns that analysts have identified criminal imagery of girls aged 11‑13 created with Grok, highlighting the tool’s capacity for illegal content generation [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – Politicians across parties condemn Grok’s sexualised deepfakes as “disgraceful” and call for swift regulatory action, intensifying political pressure on X [2].
Jan 10, 2026 – Elon Musk posts that critics use the Grok controversy as “an excuse for censorship,” framing the debate as a free‑speech issue and reposting AI‑generated images of the prime minister [1].
Jan 10, 2026 – Ofcom announces an urgent assessment of X, backed by the government, and expects an update from the platform within days, marking a rapid escalation in regulatory scrutiny [1].
Jan 10, 2026 – Chairwomen of Parliament’s technology and media committees warn that gaps in the Online Safety Act “may hinder the regulator’s ability to address AI‑generated sexual imagery,” urging clarification of legal responsibility [1].
Jan 10, 2026 – X restricts Grok’s image‑generation and editing features to paying subscribers, a move Downing Street calls “insulting” to victims of sexual violence [1].
Jan 10, 2026 – Australia’s prime minister condemns Grok’s material as “abhorrent” and orders the digital safety commissioner to investigate, while Indonesia temporarily suspends Grok, citing violations of human rights and dignity [1].
Jan 10, 2026 – Ashley St Clair, mother of Musk’s child, tells BBC Newshour that Grok produced “essentially nude” sexualised images of her as a child and notes ongoing legal action related to her family [1].