Elon Musk has said critics of his social media site X are looking for any excuse for censorship, after its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok drew criticism over its use to create sexualized images of people without their knowledge or consent.
Ofcom says it is conducting an urgent assessment of X in response, with the backing of Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
But the chairwomen of Parliament's technology and media committees have both said they are concerned that gaps in the Online Safety Act might hinder the media regulator's ability to deal with the matter.
X has now limited the use of the AI image function to those who pay a monthly fee, a change dubbed by Downing Street as insulting to victims of sexual violence.
The BBC has seen several examples of the free AI tool undressing women and putting them in sexual situations without their consent.
Kendall said she expects an update from Ofcom within days and stated the government would fully support blocking X in the UK if necessary.
Musk has reposted messages on X criticizing the government's response to Grok, asserting that they just want to suppress free speech.
Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of Musk's children, reported that Grok generated sexualized photos of her as a child, undermining the importance of consent.
As of Friday morning, Grok informed users asking to alter images that image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers.
Ofcom spokesperson indicated that they are undertaking an expedited assessment as a matter of urgency and will provide further updates shortly.
Concerns have been raised about whether the Online Safety Act has the power to penalize the creation of such harmful images.
Political reaction has ranged from condemnation by various UK leaders to international responses, with Australia's Prime Minister describing the material produced by Grok as completely abhorrent.
Globally, Grok has been temporarily suspended in Indonesia due to its exploitative practices.
