IT·Science News
Ofcom opens Grok deepfake probe as Indonesia and Malaysia block the AI tool outright
The UK media regulator Ofcom opened a formal investigation into X on Monday 12 January over sexualised deepfakes generated by its AI tool Grok, Al Jazeera reports. Ofcom called the reports “deeply concerning” and said the probe will determine whether X “failed to comply with its legal obligations”. It can fine companies up to 10 percent of worldwide revenue and has the power to ban Grok. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the images “disgusting” and “unlawful”, while Elon Musk accused the UK government of being fascist and trying to curb free speech.
ITV News reports that Grok had limited image generation and editing to paying X subscribers on 9 January, though users could still edit images on Grok’s separate app and website. Downing Street called the change “insulting to victims of misogyny and sexual violence”. Musk posted that critics “want any excuse for censorship”.
In Asia, regulators went further. An Associated Press report carried by India’s The Siasat Daily says Indonesia temporarily blocked Grok on Saturday and Malaysia followed on Sunday, the first countries to do so. Malaysia’s regulator called it “a preventive and proportionate measure while legal and regulatory processes are ongoing”.
“It is time for X to grip this issue.” — Prime Minister’s spokesperson, via ITV News
How each outlet framed it
- Al Jazeera — the regulatory stakes: a formal probe, large fines and a possible ban, plus pressure building in other countries.
- ITV News — the UK political row: a paid-only limit that ministers say turns an unlawful feature into a “premium service”.
- The Siasat Daily — the Asian response: outright blocks, with regulators saying X and xAI relied mainly on user reporting.
Where the numbers differ: Al Jazeera cites fines of up to 10 percent of worldwide revenue; ITV News cites fines of £18 million.
What we don't know yet: whether Ofcom will move to block the service in the UK. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said that decision rests with Ofcom.