The United Kingdom government has opened formal investigations into Elon Musk-owned social media platform X and its artificial intelligence system, Grok.
Regulators are examining X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC) and X.AI LLC over how they process personal data and whether their technologies could be used to generate harmful sexualised images and videos. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said it is responding to reports that Grok has allegedly been used to create non-consensual sexual imagery of individuals, including minors.
UK investigates Elon Musk’s X, Grok AI amid France probe
According to the ICO, the creation and spread of such material raises serious concerns under UK data protection laws and poses a significant risk to public safety.
The investigation will assess whether personal data has been handled lawfully and whether Grok’s design and deployment include safeguards to prevent the misuse of personal data in the creation of manipulated content.
The watchdog said the probe forms part of its broader effort to protect people’s rights and ensure organisations are held accountable as they develop and deploy artificial intelligence technologies. William Malcolm, the ICO’s Director of Regulatory Risk, described the allegations as “deeply troubling,” noting that they raise serious questions about how personal data may have been used to generate objectifying images.
Malcolm added that the ICO would take enforcement action if it finds that XIUC or X.AI failed to meet their legal obligations in Grok’s development or operation. The agency also confirmed it is working closely with Ofcom and international regulators to ensure coordinated oversight and the protection of users’ privacy and safety.
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X, formerly known as Twitter, and Grok AI are also facing a related investigation in France. Earlier this week, French police and Europol officers reportedly raided the company’s Paris office, with prosecutors outlining multiple alleged offences and summoning Elon Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino for questioning on April 20.
