Britain’s media regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to determine if it has fulfilled its legal duties to protect UK users from potentially illegal content, particularly in relation to the platform’s AI bot, Grok. The government, led by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, is considering drastic measures, including a potential ban on X in the UK, following concerns that Grok has been used to generate and circulate sexualized images of children. This has sparked a heated debate among politicians and the public about the appropriate response and the balance between online safety and freedom of speech.

Public opinion on the matter is divided. Some members of the public interviewed believe that banning X would be an overreaction and that the government should focus on more pressing issues, such as the cost-of-living crisis, rather than social media regulation. Others argue that while protecting children from harmful online content is crucial, an outright ban on the platform is too extreme. Instead, they suggest targeted interventions to address specific harmful features or content, rather than removing access to the entire platform.

Political commentators and journalists, including Christopher Hope, highlight the gravity of the situation, noting that the government is considering using its “backstop power” to ban X if Ofcom and the courts deem it necessary. The Liberal Democrats have called for immediate action, including a temporary business disruption order to prevent X from monetizing harmful content, arguing that every day of delay risks more victims. This stance has drawn criticism from those who see it as inconsistent with the party’s traditional support for free speech.

Tom Harwood and other commentators express outrage at the idea of banning X, likening it to censorship in authoritarian regimes like China or Russia. They argue that platforms should not be held fully responsible for user-generated content, as this would undermine the foundational principles of the internet. Instead, they advocate for targeting individual bad actors and, if necessary, banning specific problematic features like the Grok AI bot, as has been done in countries like Indonesia, rather than banning the entire platform.

Ian Corby, Executive Director of the Age Verification Providers Association, explains that the Online Safety Act provides a range of escalating measures before a full ban would be considered, including fines and restrictions on payment processing. He clarifies that current laws focus on the distribution of intimate images, with new laws soon to criminalize the creation of such images. Corby emphasizes the importance of digital sovereignty and the need for UK laws to be enforceable online, but cautions that investigations and enforcement actions will take time. The debate ultimately centers on how to protect vulnerable users without overreaching and infringing on fundamental freedoms.