UK and Canadian Regulators Intensify Scrutiny of Elon Musk’s Grok AI Amid Deepfake Controversy
Ofcom and Canada’s privacy watchdog press ahead with investigations into X platform and xAI over non-consensual sexually explicit AI-generated imagery
British and Canadian authorities have underscored their determination to pursue regulatory investigations into Elon Musk’s Grok artificial intelligence chatbot as global concerns mount over its misuse to generate non-consensual and sexually explicit deepfake images.
The United Kingdom’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has formally opened a probe into whether Musk’s social media platform X and its affiliated AI unit, xAI, have breached legal obligations under the UK’s Online Safety Act by failing to prevent the creation and distribution of sexually intimate deepfakes — including undressed depictions of adults and images that may involve minors.
The regulator welcomed recent voluntary steps by X to restrict certain AI image-editing capabilities but stressed that its examination will continue to assess compliance and ensure adequate safeguards to protect users, particularly children.
At the same time in Canada, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner announced it is broadening an existing investigation into X after reports surfaced that Grok was used to generate sexually explicit deepfakes without consent.
The Canadian inquiry will also examine the conduct of xAI, the independent artificial intelligence company responsible for developing the Grok tool, raising questions about privacy protection and the ethical management of AI-generated content.
The dual regulatory focus reflects a broader global response to the controversy, with Indonesia and Malaysia having already banned Grok amid similar concerns over non-consensual imagery, and European authorities signalling ongoing scrutiny of AI platforms for harmful outputs.
Musk has defended the platform’s actions, asserting that users generating illegal content should face consequences, even as he confronts intensified pressure from governments worldwide to bolster moderation and prevent harm.
British political leaders, including the prime minister and technology secretary, have publicly condemned the deepfake images produced via Grok, with senior officials pledging support for Ofcom’s enforcement powers and warning that non-compliance could lead to significant penalties or restrictions on platform access under UK law.
The United Kingdom’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has formally opened a probe into whether Musk’s social media platform X and its affiliated AI unit, xAI, have breached legal obligations under the UK’s Online Safety Act by failing to prevent the creation and distribution of sexually intimate deepfakes — including undressed depictions of adults and images that may involve minors.
The regulator welcomed recent voluntary steps by X to restrict certain AI image-editing capabilities but stressed that its examination will continue to assess compliance and ensure adequate safeguards to protect users, particularly children.
At the same time in Canada, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner announced it is broadening an existing investigation into X after reports surfaced that Grok was used to generate sexually explicit deepfakes without consent.
The Canadian inquiry will also examine the conduct of xAI, the independent artificial intelligence company responsible for developing the Grok tool, raising questions about privacy protection and the ethical management of AI-generated content.
The dual regulatory focus reflects a broader global response to the controversy, with Indonesia and Malaysia having already banned Grok amid similar concerns over non-consensual imagery, and European authorities signalling ongoing scrutiny of AI platforms for harmful outputs.
Musk has defended the platform’s actions, asserting that users generating illegal content should face consequences, even as he confronts intensified pressure from governments worldwide to bolster moderation and prevent harm.
British political leaders, including the prime minister and technology secretary, have publicly condemned the deepfake images produced via Grok, with senior officials pledging support for Ofcom’s enforcement powers and warning that non-compliance could lead to significant penalties or restrictions on platform access under UK law.
