'Online threat' posing dangers to women and girls as AI used to create fake nudes
In the UK, the communications regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into X tied to the flood of pornographic deepfake images and whether this breaches obligations under the Online Safety Act framework. In parallel, the UK government has said it plans to bring into force tougher measures that criminalise creating or seeking to create non consensual sexualised images, and has signalled interest in also making it illegal for companies to supply tools designed for this kind of abuse. Ministers have indicated they would support strong enforcement options if regulators deem them necessary
The coverage also notes Musk’s public reaction, which frames criticism as censorship, while X introduced some restrictions by limiting image generation and editing to paid subscribers. Commentators argue that this may not fully address the problem, since safeguards can be incomplete and enforcement depends on effective detection, rapid removal, and prevention of repeat uploads.
Beyond UK, the same controversy has triggered wider regulatory scrutiny in Europe under the EU Digital Services Act, where penalties can include major fines and, in extreme cases, measures that could restrict platform operations if persistent non compliance is found.
