Elon Musk Defends Controversial AI Chatbot Amid Censorship Claims

Sun Jan 11 2026 05:00:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to backlash over Grok, an AI chatbot on X, Elon Musk asserts critics are using the situation as a pretext for censorship, while the UK government evaluates the implications of AI-generated non-consensual images.

Elon Musk faces criticism for the AI chatbot Grok on his social media platform X, which has been linked to generating unauthorized sexualized images. As Ofcom conducts an urgent review, Musk argues the backlash is a facade for censorship. The situation raises questions about the regulatory framework surrounding AI and social media after concerns from UK politicians and global leaders.

Elon Musk has said critics of his social media site X are looking for 'any excuse for censorship' after its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok drew criticism over its use to create sexualized images of people without their knowledge or consent.

Ofcom has announced it is conducting an urgent assessment of X, supported by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.

However, lawmakers have expressed concerns that flaws in the Online Safety Act may prevent effective regulation of the issue.

X has now restricted the AI image function to subscribers, a measure described by Downing Street as 'insulting' to sexual violence victims.

The BBC reported instances of Grok generating inappropriate images of women. Kendall indicated she expects an update from Ofcom soon and has stated that the government would support any decision to block X in the UK.

In response to criticism of Grok, Musk shared messages on X that included AI-generated images of figures like UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in compromising scenarios. He called the government's disdain for Grok an attempt to 'suppress free speech.'

Ashley St Clair, who has a legal dispute with Musk regarding their child, claimed that Grok created sexualized images of her as a child without her consent, highlighting a failure to adequately manage illegal content.

As of now, Grok restricts the alteration of images to paying users, reinforcing calls for clarity in regulations surrounding AI content creation.

Ofcom aims to clarify whether the creation of such images by AI is deemed illegal under current laws while recognizing concerns from both lawmakers and the public regarding the platform's responsibilities.

Global leaders, including Australia's Prime Minister, condemned the implications of non-consensual image generation, reiterating the need for greater accountability in digital safety.