Ofcom provides update on non-consensual imagery investigation into X

Communications regulator Ofcom has provided an update on its investigation into X under the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA).

The investigation initially examined the platform's compliance with safety duties after the Grok AI chatbot account was used to create and distribute non-consensual sexual images, including content depicting children. The investigation is focused on how X assesses illegal content risks, facilitates reporting mechanisms, and handles content moderation. If reasonable grounds indicate statutory failures, the regulator will issue a provisional view for X to contest before reaching a final decision.

During its initial evidence gathering, Ofcom discovered that unverified accounts could access age-restricted pornographic content. X has now updated its systems to enforce age assurance across all adult material, prompting Ofcom to shift the remaining investigation toward illegal content handling and complaint duties. In addition, Z has restricted UK IP addresses from generating, viewing, or sharing pornographic images via standalone Grok. The company has also barred its companion chatbots, including Ani, from holding sexually explicit conversations with UK users.

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