Archive · 16 Jan 2026
UK Continues Grok Deepfake Probe Despite Musk's U-Turn
The UK is investigating Elon Musk's company, xAI, because their AI chatbot, Grok, was able to create fake sexual images of people without their permission.
Even though xAI has now stopped this feature, the UK says they will keep investigating to find out how it happened and make sure it doesn't happen again.
The UK's Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, says their new Online Safety Act is helping to keep people, especially children, safe on social media.
Other countries, like California and the Philippines, are also concerned and taking action.
UK's Ofcom welcomes xAI's restrictions on Grok's image editing but continues investigation.
xAI implements tech fixes to prevent non-consensual sexually explicit deepfakes.
UK's Technology Secretary Liz Kendall claims victory for Online Safety Act in holding X accountable.
California and the Philippines join global criticism, demanding answers and considering blocks on Grok.
Ofcom notes Snapchat's improvement in illegal content risk assessment.
- Who
- UK government and Ofcom, Elon Musk's xAI
- What
- Investigation into Grok AI chatbot's deepfake capabilities
- When
- Ongoing, with recent developments on January 15, 2024
- Where
- United Kingdom and global jurisdictions
- Why
- To address concerns about non-consensual sexually explicit deepfakes and ensure online safety
- Regulator Involved
- Ofcom
- Company Under Investigation
- xAI (owned by Elon Musk)
- AI Chatbot Name
- Grok
- Restricted Feature
- Image editing of real people in revealing clothing
- UK Legislation
- Online Safety Act
- Technology Secretary
- Liz Kendall
- Global Concerns
- Explicit content generated by Grok
- Additional Platform Under Scrutiny
- Snapchat
Sources
UK Weighs Australia-Style Social Media Ban for Children
Australia social media ban hits 4.7 million teen accounts in first month
UK presses on with Grok deepfake probe despite Musk’s climbdown
UK, Canadian watchdogs press on with probes into Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot
Over 4.7 million accounts deactivated under Australia's social media ban for children
Australia enforces world’s first under 16 social media ban, removes 4.7 million accounts
