Government warns X over unsafe AI image features
The UK government has sharply criticised social media platform X for restricting its AI image creation tool to paying subscribers, calling the move “insulting” and warning that it effectively turns the ability to generate explicit and unlawful images into a premium service.
The backlash follows revelations that Grok, X’s AI system, has been used to manipulate thousands of images of women and in some cases children, removing clothing or placing subjects in sexual positions. The tool was widely condemned for enabling harassment, exploitation and abuse.
In a post earlier this week, Grok announced that its image generation and editing features would be available only to paid users, who are required to provide personal information. X argued that the change could help identify individuals who misuse the tool.
However, Downing Street rejected that justification, saying the measure failed to address the core safety issue. A spokesperson said:
“The move simply turns an AI feature that allows the creation of unlawful images into a premium service. It’s not a solution. In fact, it’s insulting to victims of misogyny and sexual violence.”
The spokesperson added that the decision showed X was capable of acting swiftly when pressured, noting that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had demanded immediate action this week.
“If another media company had billboards in town centres showing unlawful images, it would act immediately or face public backlash,” they said.
Government Considering Further Action
When asked whether the government was prepared to take tougher steps — including potentially leaving X — Downing Street said “all options are on the table” and stressed that it would support any regulatory response from Ofcom, the UK’s media watchdog.
Earlier on Friday, Labour Party chair Anna Turley said there were no current plans for the government to collectively withdraw from X, though some ministers were weighing the possibility individually.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, she stated:
“It’s really, really important that we tackle this. Those conversations are ongoing across government… All of us in politics are evaluating our use of social media.”
Asked directly if she would leave the platform herself, Turley said she had “thought about that a lot in recent months”. Discussions are also taking place within the Labour Party on whether to exit the platform entirely to ensure a “safe space.”
