The UK government has sharply criticised Elon Musk’s social media platform X for restricting Grok AI image-editing tools to paying users, saying the move shows a lack of respect for victims of misogyny and sexual violence.
Downing Street said the decision effectively turns a tool that has been used to create illegal and abusive images into a paid service, rather than addressing the harm it has caused. The comments follow widespread anger after Grok was found to be digitally altering photos of people, often women, by removing their clothing without consent.
Government officials noted that while the feature is now blocked for free users on X, it remains available through Grok’s separate app and website. The prime minister’s spokesperson said the change proved the company could act quickly when it chose to, but insisted stronger action was still required.
Sir Keir Starmer has called the creation of sexualised images, including those involving children, “disgraceful” and “unlawful”, saying the government would not tolerate it. He has asked for every legal option to be considered.
Regulator Ofcom has wide powers under the Online Safety Act, including the ability to seek court orders that could restrict X’s ability to operate or generate revenue in the UK. The government said it fully backs the regulator using those powers if necessary.
Experts and charities say the latest move does not go far enough. Professor Clare McGlynn, a specialist in online abuse and sexual violence law, said limiting access to Grok does nothing to address the underlying risks. The Internet Watch Foundation also warned that harmful and even criminal images had already been created using the tool, and that restricting it after the fact cannot undo the damage.
Users have reported that Grok has been used to manipulate their photos in degrading ways. Some say the changes introduced this week feel like a temporary fix rather than a real solution. Calls are growing for the AI system to be redesigned with stronger safeguards to prevent abuse.
X has not yet responded publicly to the criticism, but the row has intensified pressure on the company as the UK government signals it is prepared to take tougher action to protect people from harmful AI-generated content online.
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