Elon Musk's Grok AI Investigated and Banned Over Deepfake Fears
The Daily Telegraph
SKIPPED
Details
- Date Published
- 12 Jan 2026
- Priority Score
- 4
- Australian
- No
- Created
- 13 Jan 2026, 12:31 am
Authors (0)
No authors linked
Description
Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph to get unrestricted digital access, home paper delivery, Apps for iPad and Android, member only +Rewards and much more...
Summary
The article examines the investigation by UK media regulator Ofcom into Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, on his social media platform X, due to concerns about its use in generating sexualized deepfake images. This raises significant legal and ethical issues as some content may constitute illegal child sexual abuse material. The investigation is supported by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasizing potential breaches of Britain's Online Safety Act. The global response includes Indonesia blocking the AI entirely and Malaysia suspending access, highlighting the international implications of managing AI technologies that risk severe societal harm.
Body
Elon Musk’s Grok AI investigated and banned over deepfake fearsUK media regulator Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X over its AI chatbot Grok, amid fears it has been used to generate sexualised deepfake images of women and children.
The watchdog says some of the content may be illegal, including child sexual abuse material, and is assessing whether X has breached its obligations under Britain’s Online Safety Act. The law allows regulators to fine companies up to 10 per cent of global revenue.
The investigation has the backing of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has warned the government will act to strengthen protections for children online if needed.
The controversy has sparked international action. Indonesia has blocked Grok entirely, Malaysia has suspended access citing repeated misuse, and the European Commission has ordered X to retain internal records linked to the AI tool until the end of 2026.
Despite growing backlash, Grok recently limited its image generation feature to paying subscribers. Critics say the move does not address the underlying risks. Elon Musk has dismissed the criticism, accusing governments of attempting to suppress free speech.
All your news for a great price
Unlock this story and more with your subscription
Full Digital Access
What’s included
Unlimited articles on app & web
Subscriber-exclusive newsletters
A digital version of Today’s paper
Enjoy games & puzzles
SuperCoach Plus stats & analysis while playing
News in video including the 5pm Bulletin on DTTV via the app
Pay As You Go
No lock-in contract
$1
for 4 weeksThen $32 charged every 4 weeks.*
*Read the fine print
Full Digital Access $1 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews at $32 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details.
12 Month Plan
Lock in and save $125 over 12 months^
$5
a week for 12 months($260 min. cost) charged as $20 every 4 weeks. Then $20 charged every 4 weeks.*
^Discount calculated in comparison to the Pay As You Go Offer on this page.
*Read the fine print
Full Digital Access 12 Month Plan costs $260 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $20 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $20 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details.
Read every article Full app & web access 24/7 Today’s paper Read the paper online exactly as it was printed Newsletters Subscriber exclusive news emails straight to your inbox News from our network Enjoy access to 11 of our news sites (exc. The Australian) DTTV News in video including the 5pm Bulletin on DTTV via the app Read every article Full app & web access 24/7 Today’s paper Read the paper online exactly as it was printed Newsletters Subscriber exclusive news emails straight to your inbox News from our network Enjoy access to 11 of our news sites (exc. The Australian) DTTV News in video including the 5pm Bulletin on DTTV via the app
Pay As You Go
$1 for 4 weeksThen $32 charged every 4 weeks.*
Subscribe now
Other subscription options
Print + Digital Subscriptions
Corporate Subscriptions
Your Selection: $0
Your Selection
–
Change selection
Today’s Total
$0
Read the fine print
Terms and Conditions
Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.