United Kingdom: Office of Communications opened an investigation into X over alleged failure to protect users and children from illegal and harmful content

On 12 January 2026, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) opened an investigation into X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC, formerly Twitter) in relation to its social networking service, under the Online Safety Act 2023. The investigation examines whether X has complied with its statutory duties, including conducting suitable and sufficient risk assessments for illegal content and risks to children, and implementing proportionate measures to prevent and rapidly remove priority illegal content, such as intimate image abuse and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Ofcom will also assess whether X has taken adequate steps to protect children from harmful content, including pornography, through effective age-assurance measures; whether it has mitigated identified risks of harm, and whether it operates effective reporting and complaints mechanisms. The investigation follows reports that a Grok model on X was used to generate and disseminate illegal and harmful content accessible to children. Ofcom stated that the investigation will be conducted in line with its Online Safety Enforcement Guidance. If non-compliance is established, potential outcomes include fines of up to GBP 18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, and, in the most serious cases, court-ordered business disruption measures.