Elon Musk owns X and xAI, creator of AI chatbot Grok (Image: AP) Everything we know about Grok restricting sexualised images following UK government pressure X, owned by Elon Musk, announced that its AI chatbot Grok will no longer allow users to edit images of people in revealing clothing in countries where such actions are illegal. This decision comes after UK media regulator Ofcom began investigating reports that Grok enabled the sexualisation of women and children through manipulated images. The company stated it now geoblocks the ability to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear, or similar attire in jurisdictions where it is against the law. These restrictions apply to all users, including paid subscribers, while image editing and creation features remain limited to premium users. Sir Keir Starmer welcomed X’s move but emphasized that the government would not relent, and Ofcom’s independent investigation into Grok would proceed. He reiterated his condemnation of Grok as “disgusting” and “shameful,” promising full ministerial support for Ofcom’s actions. Elon Musk responded by claiming Grok would refuse to produce illegal content and blamed “adversarial hacking” for any inappropriate images generated. He clarified that, with Not Safe For Work (NSFW) settings enabled, Grok is only supposed to allow upper body nudity of imaginary adults, similar to what is seen in R-rated movies. Musk noted that content standards would differ by country, with American norms allowing more than some other regions. He insisted that Grok’s operating principle is to obey the laws of each country or state. The Commons Foreign Affairs Committee has called on X and other social media companies to answer questions in Parliament about online foreign disinformation threats. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall warned that X could face a UK ban if it did not comply and criticized the company for restricting image editing to paying users, accusing them of “monetising abuse.” Kendall also announced that new legislation making it a criminal offense to create or request non-consensual intimate images would come into force this week in response to the Grok controversy. The Prime Minister’s office stated it is closely monitoring the situation and will strengthen laws if necessary. Musk said he was unaware of Grok generating any illegal images of underage individuals and reiterated that the chatbot is programmed to refuse illegal requests. The UK government and Ofcom remain vigilant, prepared to take further action if X fails to comply with UK law.