UK threatens action against X over sexualised AI images of women and children

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Peter Walker Senior political correspondentJanuary 12, 2026 at 10:08 AM

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The UK government is threatening action against X (formerly Twitter) due to concerns about sexualized AI-generated images of women and children on the platform. Business Secretary Peter Kyle stated X is not doing enough to ensure online safety and supports potential actions by Ofcom, the media regulator, including a possible ban of X in the UK. Ofcom is conducting a fast-tracked investigation into X's AI tool, Grok, after receiving requested information. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall is expected to address the issue in Parliament. The government's concerns stem from reports of manipulated images, including offensive depictions, being generated and shared, raising worries about the platform's impact on users and society. A ban could provoke a response from Elon Musk and potentially Donald Trump's administration.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

BBC One 40% Keir Starmer 40% Sky News 40% Donald Trump 50% Grok ×260% Liz Kendall ×270% Peter Kyle ×470% Ofcom ×580% Elon Musk ×280% X (formerly Twitter) ×1090% UK ×390%

Keywords

x (formerly twitter) 100% ai-generated images 90% sexualised images 80% online safety 70% ofcom 70% uk government 60% grok ai tool 50% content moderation 50% image manipulation 40%