X and Grok investigated by U.K. regulator over deepfake concerns

Ofcom has opened an investigation into Elon Musk’s X over reports that its Grok chatbot was used to create sexual deepfake images. A new U.K. law criminalizing sexual deepfakes comes into force this week and officials say further legislation may target tools that produce them.

Britain's communications regulator, Ofcom, has opened an investigation into X over reports that its Grok chatbot was being used to produce sexual deepfake images and shared on the platform. The government says a new law making sexual deepfakes an offence is coming into force this week. Technology Minister Liz Kendall told lawmakers the government also plans further legislation to make it illegal to supply tools that create deepfakes. Ofcom said it will examine whether X met its duties under Britain’s online safety framework. What is known: - Ofcom has launched a probe to assess whether X failed to protect people in the U.K. from illegal content and whether it considered risks to children. - The U.K. government announced a new law criminalizing sexual deepfakes is coming into force this week, and ministers have proposed additional measures aimed at suppliers of deepfake tools. - X has said it removes illegal content, suspends accounts and works with law enforcement as needed, and it has limited some image-generation requests to paying users. - Other countries have raised concerns or taken action: France reported content to prosecutors, India has sought explanations, and Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked Grok. - In severe non-compliance cases under the online safety law, Ofcom could seek court orders that affect payment providers, advertisers, or internet access. Summary: Ofcom’s investigation is underway and adds regulatory pressure on X as U.K. law on sexual deepfakes is implemented and related legislation is proposed. Undetermined at this time.