UK Regulator Launches Formal Probe into X Amid CSAM Scandal Concerns
The UK's media regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into social media platform X, amid growing concerns over its handling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and non-consensual intimate images. The probe follows deeply concerning reports that the company's Grok AI chatbot account has been used to create and share such content.
The investigation will focus on whether X has complied with its duties to protect users from illegal content, including CSAM and non-consensual intimate images. This includes assessing whether the platform is taking adequate measures to prevent UK users from viewing priority content, removing such material quickly after becoming aware of it, and implementing robust age verification processes.
Ofcom has contacted X on January 5 and received a response by its deadline. The regulator is now conducting an expedited assessment of available evidence as a matter of urgency and has requested urgent clarification from the company on its measures to protect UK users.
"This is not just about compliance with regulations, but also about protecting people in the UK from harm," said an Ofcom spokesperson. "We will progress this investigation as a matter of the highest priority, while ensuring due process."
If found guilty of breaching the law, X could face significant penalties, including fines of up to £18 million or 10% of its worldwide revenue.
The probe is not the only response from regulators around the world. Malaysia and Indonesia have already blocked access to Grok, citing concerns over the platform's lack of safeguards against non-consensual deepfakes.
X has been at the center of controversy over its use of AI technology, including a recent change that allowed paying subscribers to limit image generation but still allowed non-paying users to create content.
The UK's media regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into social media platform X, amid growing concerns over its handling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and non-consensual intimate images. The probe follows deeply concerning reports that the company's Grok AI chatbot account has been used to create and share such content.
The investigation will focus on whether X has complied with its duties to protect users from illegal content, including CSAM and non-consensual intimate images. This includes assessing whether the platform is taking adequate measures to prevent UK users from viewing priority content, removing such material quickly after becoming aware of it, and implementing robust age verification processes.
Ofcom has contacted X on January 5 and received a response by its deadline. The regulator is now conducting an expedited assessment of available evidence as a matter of urgency and has requested urgent clarification from the company on its measures to protect UK users.
"This is not just about compliance with regulations, but also about protecting people in the UK from harm," said an Ofcom spokesperson. "We will progress this investigation as a matter of the highest priority, while ensuring due process."
If found guilty of breaching the law, X could face significant penalties, including fines of up to £18 million or 10% of its worldwide revenue.
The probe is not the only response from regulators around the world. Malaysia and Indonesia have already blocked access to Grok, citing concerns over the platform's lack of safeguards against non-consensual deepfakes.
X has been at the center of controversy over its use of AI technology, including a recent change that allowed paying subscribers to limit image generation but still allowed non-paying users to create content.
just saw this about X and I'm low-key worried about the CSAM situation... like how can you have an AI chatbot account creating such content? 
seems like a huge oversight on their part. also, £18 million fine is pretty steep, hope they take responsibility for what's going on there 
. How can you let an AI chatbot account be used to create and share CSAM? It's like they're playing with fire here 
. The fact that they've changed their rules so paying subscribers get some protection but non-paying users don't is just weird 
.
. But I'm still worried - what if they don't take this seriously enough? What if something else like this happens again? 
so not surprised X is getting slammed for their CSAM scandal 
no one really knows what's going on behind the scenes. Ofcom should probs just block access to Grok altogether 
but yeah, 10% of worldwide revenue fine sounds pretty meh 
like X thinks a slap on the wrist is gonna cut it 
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to have an AI chatbot account that can create and share such sickening content? It's not just about the law, it's about the actual people who are being harmed 
. Kids and adults alike, they're all at risk of seeing this crap on X. And now Ofcom is stepin in, and I'm glad they are 
.
. It's like they're just sweepin the problem under the rug and hopin no one notices 
. And now, they're facin a multibillion pound fine if they get caught 
.
. Malaysia and Indonesia blockin access to Grok is just the beginnin 
. And we need it now 
... how can one company like X get away with putting our kids in harm's way like this?! 
ASAP! 
or face the consequences 
and fines are no joke lol 18 million or 10% revenue that's like losin your whole existence 
anyway i hope they take this seriously and make some real changes because it's not just about complyin with laws its about people gettin hurt 
I'm so worried about all these tech companies and their lack of responsibility when it comes to protecting our kids online! X's Grok AI chatbot account should never have been used to create and share CSAM, and now Ofcom is stepping in to hold them accountable. It's time for these platforms to prioritize user safety over profits 
and now regulators are stepping in like they should be 
The fact that they're using a chatbot to create CSAM is just disgusting. And now Ofcom is on it, which is good news for the UK users 
. I'm glad they're taking this seriously and investigating what's going on. It's like, X needs to be held accountable for their actions 
. Fingers crossed they get it together and fix these issues ASAP 
. like x can't even keep track of their own chatbot account and now they're gonna punish them for it? 
. what's the point of having regulations if nobody's gonna enforce them properly? 
.
Until then, I'll be over here, waiting for the other shoe to drop... 
. Can't they just use better algorithms or moderation tools? 
.
. I wonder if this will lead to more countries following suit? 
The probe by Ofcom is a good start, but we need to see some real changes from X before we can say they're doing enough 
.