The social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, is facing rising pressure from governments as concerns grow over the misuse of artificial intelligence tools. The United Kingdom and Australia are now openly discussing stronger action against the platform, while Canada has moved to cool speculation about any coordinated ban.
Growing scrutiny over AI misuse on X
Officials in the UK and Australia have raised alarms over Grok, an AI chatbot linked to X. Reports suggest users have exploited the tool to create sexually explicit deepfake images, including content involving women and minors. As a result, leaders in both countries have described the misuse as unlawful and deeply troubling.
In the UK, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall warned that X must comply with the Online Safety Act, a law designed to limit harmful digital content. Furthermore, the regulator Ofcom is investigating the platform following a spike in image abuse complaints. If X fails to act, penalties could include heavy fines or even blocking access within the country.
Australia has echoed similar concerns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pointed to the risks posed by generative AI and stressed the need for strict enforcement. However, Australian officials remain focused on compliance and safety rules rather than an outright ban for now.
Canada distances itself from ban talks
While online rumors suggested Canada might join a joint ban on X, the government has denied those claims. Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation stated clearly that there are no plans to ban the platform.
Instead, Canada is reviewing how to regulate deepfakes and harmful AI content through possible updates to existing laws. This clarification has helped separate Canada’s position from the tougher tone taken by the UK and Australia.
Elon Musk has criticized the UK’s approach, arguing that potential restrictions amount to censorship and threaten free speech. Therefore, the debate has shifted beyond platform safety to broader questions about expression rights and digital regulation.
