03.02.2026 21:44
Discussions about artificial intelligence and data security in the UK have taken on a new dimension. The country's data protection authority, the Information Commissioner's Office, has launched an official investigation into the AI chatbot Grok, owned by American entrepreneur Elon Musk, due to allegations of unauthorized use of personal data and the production of sexual content that threatens the privacy of individuals, including children.
The UK's data protection authority, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has launched an investigation into the AI-powered chatbot Grok, owned by American billionaire Elon Musk. The investigation reportedly focuses on the processing of personal data and the system's potential to produce harmful and sexually explicit images and videos.
THE INVESTIGATION ALSO COVERS X AND X.AI COMPANIES
In a written statement by the ICO, it was noted that the investigation encompasses X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC) and X.AI. The statement expressed serious concerns regarding reports that Grok is being used to produce sexually explicit images without the consent of individuals, including children.
"IT POSES A RISK OF HARM TO THE PUBLIC"
The ICO emphasized that the creation and dissemination of such content pose serious risks under UK data protection laws, announcing that it will examine whether personal data is being processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. The statement also mentioned that the investigation will assess whether adequate security measures have been taken to prevent the production of harmful or manipulated images using personal data.
"THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK OF HARM TO CHILDREN"
William Malcolm, the ICO's Director General for Regulatory Risk and Innovation, stated that reports regarding Grok have raised extremely disturbing questions, saying, "The loss of control over personal data in this way can lead to immediate and serious harm, especially when it comes to children."
Malcolm noted that the investigation will thoroughly examine whether XIUC and X.AI have complied with data protection obligations during the development and deployment of Grok, emphasizing that necessary steps will be taken to protect the public in the event of a violation.
OFCOM IS ALSO CONTINUING ITS INVESTIGATIONS INTO X
Meanwhile, the UK's media regulator Ofcom announced that it is continuing a separate investigation into the X platform.
It was noted that governments and regulatory bodies in various countries around the world have begun to take stricter measures against AI applications due to sexually explicit materials produced by Grok.