The UK government is set to bring a new law into force this week that will make it illegal to create non-consensual intimate images, following mounting concerns over AI-generated deepfakes created using Elon Musk’s Grok AI.
According to reporting by the BBC, the legislation will criminalise not only the sharing of explicit deepfakes, but also the creation or request of AI-generated intimate images without consent, closing a loophole that campaigners say has been left open for months.
New Law Targets Creation, Not Just Sharing
While it is already illegal in the UK to share intimate deepfake images of adults, the offence of creating or requesting them — introduced under the Data (Use and Access) Act — has not been enforced until now, despite the law passing in June 2025.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed in the House of Commons that this offence will finally be brought into force this week, following criticism that the government had delayed implementation.
Kendall described AI-generated sexual images of women and children as “weapons of abuse”, rejecting claims that they are harmless or victimless.
Platforms and AI Toolmakers Also in the Firing Line
The government is also seeking to go further than individual offenders.
Kendall said ministers want to make it illegal for companies to supply tools designed to create non-consensual intimate images, directly targeting nudification apps and AI image generators at the source.
This would be supported by additional powers under the Online Safety Act, where the offence will be treated as a priority crime, placing greater legal responsibility on platforms that host or distribute such content.
Ofcom Investigates X Over Grok AI Images
The move comes just hours after Ofcom announced it had launched an investigation into X, following “deeply concerning reports” that Grok AI had been used to alter images of women without their consent.
The BBC reports that Ofcom will examine whether X:
- Failed to remove illegal content quickly once aware of it
- Took adequate steps to prevent UK users from accessing such content
If found to have breached the law, Ofcom could fine X up to 10% of its global revenue or £18 million, whichever is greater. In extreme cases, the regulator could also seek a court order requiring UK internet service providers to block access to the platform entirely.
Pressure Mounts for Fast Enforcement
Kendall urged Ofcom not to let the investigation drag on, calling for a clear timeline “as soon as possible”.
She stressed that responsibility does not lie solely with users, saying platforms that profit from hosting harmful content must be held accountable.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed that stance, warning MPs that if X could not control Grok, the government would step in “fast”.
Global Backlash Against Grok AI
The BBC reports that the UK is not alone in taking action. Both Malaysia and Indonesia have temporarily blocked access to Grok’s image generation tools amid global backlash.
The BBC has seen multiple examples of women whose images were altered into sexualised content without consent, with one woman reporting that more than 100 fake images had been created of her.
Elon Musk has responded to criticism by claiming the UK government is seeking “any excuse for censorship”, a claim Kendall rejected, insisting the measures are about protecting women and girls, not restricting free speech.
A Turning Point for AI Regulation?
Legal experts say the move signals a clear shift in how seriously the UK government is now treating AI-enabled abuse, although questions remain over whether police forces will have sufficient resources to enforce the law effectively.
What is clear is that the UK is moving decisively to regulate AI tools capable of generating harmful content — and Grok AI has become a focal point in that effort.