The UK’s data privacy watchdog has joined Ofcom in launching an investigation into Elon Musk’s X social media platform and its Grok AI.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) opened its formal investigation into X and X.AI on Tuesday 3 February, specifically these companies’ processing of personal data in relation to Grok and its potential to produce harmful sexualised image and video content.
Its investigation was prompted by reports to the ICO that Grok was being used to generate non‑consensual sexual imagery of individuals, including children.
From the regulator’s perspective, its concerns relate to the processing of personal data by Grok and whether there are appropriate safeguards to prevent it from generating harmful images that use personal data.
The ICO said that where these safeguards fail or are not in place, people are exposed to serious harm through losing control of their personal data.
“The reports about Grok raise deeply troubling questions about how people’s personal data has been used to generate intimate or sexualised images without their knowledge or consent, and whether the necessary safeguards were put in place to prevent this,” said ICO executive director of regulatory risk and innovation William Malcom.
“Losing control of personal data in this way can cause immediate and significant harm. This is particularly the case where children are involved.”
“Our investigation will assess whether XIUC and X.AI have complied with data protection law in the development and deployment of the Grok services, including the safeguards in place to protect people’s data rights. Where we find obligations have not been met, we will take action to protect the public.”
Pressure grows over Grok-generated images
The ICO’s announcement marks the second investigation by a UK regulator into X over problematic images on Grok; the first was announced by Ofcom last month.
Alongside the announcement of this latest investigation, Ofcom said it has been in contact with the ICO and has also provided an update on its investigation, noting that X said it has implemented measures to try and address the issue.
“Our investigation remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with the ICO and others to ensure tech firms keep users safe and protect their privacy,” Ofcom said.
It acknowledged there was significant public interest in its investigation into X and said it would provide updates and be as open as possible thorughout the process.
These investigations typically take months, however, and Ofcom is bound by strict rules about what it can share publicly to ensure a fair process.
It did note that if it found serious non-compliance, blocking access to X in the UK would be a ‘significant intervention’.
It said this would be an unlikely outcome given its potential impact on freedom of expression in the UK.
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