The UK government is weighing a possible nationwide block of Elon Musk’s social media platform X and has been "in talks with" Canada and Australia over concerns that the site’s AI tool has been used to generate explicit images.
Downing Street confirmed discussions are underway following reports that X’s artificial intelligence feature, Grok, was used to create sexually explicit images of women and children.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is considering enforcement action under the Online Safety Act, including a potential ban if X does not remove or restrict the feature. Officials say a coordinated international response is being explored to increase pressure on the platform.
Australia has publicly backed crackdowns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the use of the tool as “completely abhorrent,” saying it showed social media companies continue to fall short on responsibility.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned about the risks posed by unregulated artificial intelligence and digital platforms, though Canadian officials have said they are not currently considering a ban on X. Toronto Centre MP Evan Solomon said earlier this week that Canada is not planning to block the platform.
Musk responded to the UK’s position by accusing the Labour government of censorship, labeling it “fascist," reports GB News. The dispute risks escalating tensions with the Trump administration, which has opposed foreign governments restricting access to American technology companies.
Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna warned that US sanctions against the UK could be considered if X is blocked. A ban would place Britain alongside countries such as Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea, where access to the platform is already restricted. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he raised the issue with US Vice President JD Vance during talks in Washington, adding that Vance agreed the reported use of the tool was “entirely unacceptable.”
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said she would support Ofcom if the regulator recommends a full block. Ofcom is expected to issue guidance within days.
Downing Street confirmed discussions are underway following reports that X’s artificial intelligence feature, Grok, was used to create sexually explicit images of women and children.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is considering enforcement action under the Online Safety Act, including a potential ban if X does not remove or restrict the feature. Officials say a coordinated international response is being explored to increase pressure on the platform.
Australia has publicly backed crackdowns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the use of the tool as “completely abhorrent,” saying it showed social media companies continue to fall short on responsibility.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned about the risks posed by unregulated artificial intelligence and digital platforms, though Canadian officials have said they are not currently considering a ban on X. Toronto Centre MP Evan Solomon said earlier this week that Canada is not planning to block the platform.
Musk responded to the UK’s position by accusing the Labour government of censorship, labeling it “fascist," reports GB News. The dispute risks escalating tensions with the Trump administration, which has opposed foreign governments restricting access to American technology companies.
Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna warned that US sanctions against the UK could be considered if X is blocked. A ban would place Britain alongside countries such as Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea, where access to the platform is already restricted. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he raised the issue with US Vice President JD Vance during talks in Washington, adding that Vance agreed the reported use of the tool was “entirely unacceptable.”
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said she would support Ofcom if the regulator recommends a full block. Ofcom is expected to issue guidance within days.
In Europe, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen also slammed Musk and X Grok's explicit image generation
"I am appalled that a tech platform is enabling users to digitally undress women and children online. This is unthinkable behavior. And the harm caused by these deepfakes is very real," von der Leyen said in an interview with multiple European media outlets, reports Politico.
"We will not be outsourcing child protection and consent to Silicon Valley. If they don't act, we will," she added.
