Committee’s Decision
The Commons women and equalities committee has announced it will no longer use X (formerly Twitter) after the platform’s AI tool, Grok, began generating thousands of digitally altered images of women and children with their clothes removed. The move marks the first significant withdrawal by a Westminster body from the social media site.
Safety Concerns
Committee chair Sarah Owen, Labour MP, said the decision was rooted in the group’s mission to prevent violence against women and girls. “It has become increasingly clear that X is not an appropriate platform to be using for our communications,” she explained. The committee’s account, with around 27,000 followers, will remain dormant to prevent impersonation but will no longer post updates.
Government Response
The scandal has prompted calls for stronger regulation. Liz Kendall, the UK’s technology secretary, condemned the imagery as “appalling and unacceptable in decent society” and urged Ofcom, the media regulator, to take decisive action. Ofcom has the authority to impose heavy fines or restrict access to platforms. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer added that “all options remain on the table.”
Wider Impact
While the committee’s decision applies only to its official account, some members have already left the platform individually. Owen herself has stopped using X, and Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP, described Grok’s images as “the last straw” in announcing her departure.
Outlook
The committee’s exit intensifies pressure on ministers to address the misuse of AI tools in online spaces. It also raises broader questions about the responsibility of tech companies to safeguard users, particularly women and children, from harmful content.