Grok changes called 'insulting' as Government urges Ofcom to act

The Government said changes to the AI chatbot Grok were "insulting" amid reports the tool had been used to create unlawful sexualised images; Ofcom says it has opened an expedited assessment and two Commons committees have asked for a response by January 16.

The Government has described recent changes to the AI chatbot Grok as "insulting" to victims of misogyny and sexual violence and has asked the regulator Ofcom to act promptly. Reports say users prompted the chatbot to create unlawful sexualised images, including material involving children. X has told some people making such requests that only paid subscribers can access the feature. Ministers and committee chairs have requested clear next steps from regulators and the government. What officials and regulators say: - The Prime Minister's office and the Technology Secretary said moving the feature behind a paywall "is not a solution" and called the change "insulting." - X has limited the image-generation requests in question to paid subscribers. - Ofcom says it made urgent contact, set a firm deadline, and is undertaking an expedited assessment. - Two Commons committees have written seeking clarity and have requested a response by January 16. Summary: Officials have characterised the change to Grok as inadequate and have asked Ofcom to review the full range of regulatory powers. Ofcom is conducting an expedited assessment and parliamentary committees have set a timeline for a response; further regulatory or legal action is undetermined at this time.