UK Deepfake Law: Britain Outlaws AI-Generated Nude Images, Investigates Elon Musk's X
Australian Financial Review
READ
Details
- Date Published
- 12 Jan 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- No
- Created
- 12 Jan 2026, 10:00 pm
Description
Britain is ratcheting up pressure on Elon Musk’s X, with new laws criminalising deepfakes and a formal investigation being launched.
Summary
The UK has enacted legislation criminalizing the creation of AI-generated non-consensual nude images, known as deepfakes, which is a significant step in the fight against digital privacy violations. This development also marks heightened scrutiny on platforms like Elon Musk's X as the UK launches an investigation into the platform's adherence to online safety regulations. The ban on deepfakes reinforces the UK's commitment to addressing AI's potential misuse in violating individual privacy, a substantial move that could influence similar regulatory frameworks globally. The investigation into X hints at potential larger implications for online safety and platform accountability.
Body
TechnologyUK politicsPrint articleAndrew TillettEurope correspondentJan 13, 2026 – 8.37amLondon | Britain’s government has made it illegal to use artificial intelligence to create non-consensual “deepfake” nude images of women and children, as its online regulator launches a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X social media platform.The investigation will look at whether X is complying with its requirements under online safety laws, and opens the door for the platform to be eventually banned in the UK, although a number of big steps need to be taken before that can be done.Loading...Andrew Tillett is The Australian Financial Review’s correspondent for Europe, based in London. He was formerly foreign affairs and defence correspondent based in Canberra. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreUK politicsSocial mediaElon MuskKeir StarmerAINigel FaragePrivacyFetching latest articles