Investigation launched into Grok chatbot after reports of explicit images created using people’s likeness without consent

THE UK’s data protection regulator has opened formal investigations into X and artificial intelligence company xAI amid growing concerns that their chatbot Grok may have been used to create sexualised “deepfake” images without people’s knowledge.

The action has been taken by the Information Commissioner’s Office, which enforces Britain’s data protection laws, following complaints that the AI tool could generate intimate or explicit images using real individuals’ faces or personal data.

Such images, often referred to as deepfakes, are digitally altered or AI-generated pictures that make it appear someone has posed for photographs or videos they never took.

Regulators fear the technology could be exploited for harassment, blackmail or abuse.

The probe follows a separate investigation by Ofcom, which began examining the platform earlier this year over wider online safety concerns.

Mounting pressure

Both investigations come amid mounting scrutiny of services linked to tech billionaire Elon Musk, whose companies have rapidly expanded the use of generative AI tools capable of producing realistic text and images in seconds.

While such tools are marketed for creative and commercial use, campaigners say safeguards have not kept pace with the risks.

Privacy experts warn that if AI systems are trained on, or can access, personal images or data without clear consent, they may breach UK data protection law.

The ICO said it is now examining how Grok was built, what data may have been used in its development, and whether sufficient protections were put in place to stop misuse.

William Malcolm, the watchdog’s executive director for regulatory risk and innovation, said reports surrounding the chatbot were “deeply troubling”.

He said losing control of personal information in this way could cause “immediate and significant harm”, particularly where children or vulnerable people are targeted.

Safeguards questioned

Investigators will look at whether the companies properly assessed risks, limited the use of personal data and introduced effective barriers to prevent the creation of explicit or abusive content.

Under UK law, organisations found to have mishandled personal data can face enforcement action, including large fines or orders to change how their systems operate.

The ICO confirmed it is working closely with Ofcom and overseas regulators as concerns about AI-generated content increasingly cross international borders.

In response to criticism, X has said it has introduced additional moderation tools and technical measures aimed at preventing the creation of harmful or non-consensual images.

However, regulators say they will continue to examine whether those steps go far enough.

The ICO said it would take action if it finds that legal obligations have not been met.

Met says allegations will be reviewed to see if criminal threshold is met following release of US court files

SCOTLAND YARD is reviewing a series of complaints alleging possible misconduct in public office after fresh claims emerged linking former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed it has received “a number of reports” following the publication of millions of pages of material by the United States Department of Justice, and will now decide whether any alleged conduct reaches the level required for a criminal investigation.

Commander Ella Marriott said the force would assess each report individually, stressing that a review does not automatically lead to formal proceedings.

The documents, widely referred to as the “Epstein files”, appear to show Mandelson corresponding with Epstein while serving as business secretary during the government of Gordon Brown at the height of the global financial crisis.

According to reports, Epstein was allegedly given insight into internal policy discussions, including proposals around banker bonus taxes in 2009 and details of a eurozone bailout package shortly before it was announced publicly.

Payments questioned

Bank records cited in the US disclosure reportedly show payments totalling 75,000 US dollars made to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004. It is also claimed Epstein paid for an osteopathy course for Mandelson’s husband.

Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing and said he has “no record or recollection” of the alleged transfers.

On Sunday he resigned his membership of the Labour Party, saying he did not want his continued association to cause further difficulty for the party.

In interviews, he dismissed suggestions that Epstein influenced his decisions as a minister and said nothing in the released files pointed to criminality or misconduct on his part.

Pressure mounts

The political fallout has intensified, with Downing Street confirming Keir Starmer has asked Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald to carry out an urgent review into Mandelson’s historic contacts with Epstein while in office.

Brown has also called for an examination of whether any confidential or market-sensitive information was improperly shared during the financial crisis.

The case is the latest in a series of controversies linked to Epstein’s long-standing relationships with powerful figures on both sides of the Atlantic.

Police emphasised that no charges have been brought and that Mandelson is not currently under criminal investigation, but said the complaints process would be handled “thoroughly and impartially”.

Former cabinet minister says stepping down is ‘in best interests of the party’ as questions raised over historic payments

LORD MANDLESON has resigned his membership of the Labour Party, saying he does not want to cause “further embarrassment” following renewed controversy over his past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The former cabinet minister and one-time UK ambassador to the United States confirmed his decision in a letter to Labour’s general secretary after fresh documents released by the US Department of Justice appeared to reference him in connection with Epstein’s finances.

The files suggest that three payments of $25,000 — totalling $75,000, about £55,000 at today’s exchange rates — were allegedly made to Peter Mandelson in 2003 and 2004.

Lord Mandelson said he had “no record or recollection” of the transactions and believes the allegations may be false, but intends to investigate the matter himself.

In his resignation letter, he wrote that he felt “regretful and sorry” to be linked again to what he described as the “understandable furore” surrounding Epstein.

He added that stepping down from party membership was the responsible course of action while he reviewed the claims.

“I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party,” he said. “I have dedicated my life to the values and success of the party and believe I am acting in its best interests.”

Ambassador role ended

Lord Mandelson had been appointed the UK’s ambassador to Washington by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024.

However, he was removed from the post last year after earlier revelations about his past friendship and contact with Epstein, including emails showing communication after the financier’s 2008 conviction.

The latest release of files has also included photographs said to show Lord Mandelson alongside an unidentified woman. He said he could not place the location or circumstances of the images.

There is no suggestion that appearing in the documents or photographs indicates criminal wrongdoing.

‘Deep regret’

Earlier this weekend, Lord Mandelson reiterated his regret for ever having known Epstein and apologised “unequivocally” to the women and girls who suffered abuse.

“I want to repeat my apology to the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long before now,” he said.

Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, but investigations into his network of associates continue to generate political fallout on both sides of the Atlantic.

Labour has not yet issued a detailed statement beyond confirming it had received Lord Mandelson’s resignation.