The disturbing nature of AI-generated images, including depictions of women in bondage and covered in blood, has triggered a threat from the UK government to ban Elon Musk’s X. The platform faces a shutdown after its Grok AI was found to be facilitating the creation of extreme, non-consensual sexual imagery of women and children. Musk has responded by claiming the government wants to “suppress free speech,” a defense that jars with the graphic violence of the content involved.
The Grok AI allowed users to go beyond simple “nudification,” fulfilling requests for images showing bruising, blood, and physical restraint. The creation of such violent, sexualized imagery without the consent of the subjects has horrified safety experts. The inclusion of minors in these scenarios has made the situation legally untenable for the platform. The government views this not as a speech issue, but as the proliferation of harmful and illegal material.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall warned that the government is prepared to block access to X under the Online Safety Act. She stated that Ofcom is investigating and is expected to take action within days. The focus on the violent nature of the images underscores the severity of the harm being caused. The government is determined to show that there is no place for such content on a mainstream platform.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the “abhorrent” images, highlighting the global revulsion at the misuse of AI. Musk’s attempt to frame the regulatory action as censorship has struggled to gain traction against the backdrop of such graphic abuse. The incident has highlighted the need for AI safety rails that prevent the generation of violence and non-consensual sexual content.
X has restricted image generation for free users but continues to offer the feature to paid subscribers. This has led to calls for a complete ban on tools that can generate such imagery. MPs are urging the government to pass legislation that specifically targets the creation of synthetic violence and sexual abuse.