The United Kingdom government has ordered social media companies to remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours, as part of intensified efforts to combat online abuse and the misuse of artificial intelligence technologies.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the circulation of such content, describing it as “utterly abhorrent” and warning technology platforms to take swift action against violations.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Thursday, Starmer said authorities intervened after discovering that artificial intelligence tools were being exploited to generate explicit images without individuals’ consent.
“The sharing of non-consensual intimate images is utterly abhorrent,” he said, adding that the government acted quickly after learning that AI chatbot Grok was allegedly used to create harmful content.
The prime minister announced stricter measures requiring social media platforms to remove any verified non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours of notification.
He stressed that the policy forms part of broader efforts to tackle online violence, particularly abuse targeting women and girls.
“I know there’s more to do. Violence against women and girls has no place in our society. We must root it out,” Starmer added.
The directive signals a tougher regulatory stance by the UK government toward online platforms, placing greater responsibility on technology companies to prevent the spread of harmful digital content.
Earlier this month, Britain’s data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), launched a formal investigation into AI chatbot Grok, developed by xAI, over concerns relating to personal data protection and the potential generation of harmful sexualised images.
The watchdog warned that the creation and distribution of such material could violate UK data protection laws and pose significant risks to public safety.
Authorities say further regulatory actions may follow as investigations continue.
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