Elon Musk has launched a fierce attack on the UK government, labelling it 'fascist' as a major dispute over his social media platform X and its artificial intelligence tool Grok intensifies. The row centres on the AI's ability to generate sexually explicit images, including of children.
Musk's Defiant Accusations Against Ministers
The tech billionaire's outburst came after ministers, including Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, escalated threats to potentially ban X in the UK. This followed revelations that the Grok AI feature could be used to create fake, sexualised images of real people.
Musk responded defiantly on his platform. Sharing a chart that showed the UK with high arrest figures for online posts, he asked: "Why is the UK government so fascist?" In another post, he accused critics of seeking "any excuse for censorship," pointing to claims that other AI programs create non-sexualised images of women in bikinis.
Government and Regulatory Pressure Mounts
The criticism of X has specifically focused on Grok's production of images of child abuse and the digital manipulation of photographs to remove the clothing of real women and girls. Liz Kendall stated she would fully support regulator Ofcom if it decided to block X for non-compliance with UK law.
"Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent," Kendall said. She emphasised it was "totally unacceptable for Grok to allow this if you're willing to pay for it." She expects an update on Ofcom's next steps within "days, not weeks."
Ofcom confirmed it is conducting an "expedited assessment" after receiving a response from X and xAI, Grok's creator. The regulator holds significant power under the Online Safety Act, including the ability to:
- Fine companies up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue.
- Take criminal action.
- Order payment providers, advertisers, and internet services to cease working with a platform, effectively banning it with court approval.
International Backing and Platform Changes
The UK government's stance has received international support. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the "abhorrent" use of generative AI to exploit people without consent.
Amid the pressure, X appeared to alter Grok's settings on Friday 9 January 2026. The chatbot began informing users that only paid subscribers could request image manipulation. However, reports indicate this restriction may only apply to requests made in reply to existing posts, leaving other methods on separate websites still accessible.
Musk further amplified the conflict by sharing a post from US legislator Anna Paulina Luna, who threatened sanctions against Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the UK if X were blocked.
Kendall also highlighted upcoming legislative measures, noting that plans to ban 'nudification' apps are part of the Crime and Policing Bill currently in Parliament. New powers to criminalise the creation of intimate images without consent are set to come into force in the coming weeks.
