MPs quit X over sexualised images and 'misogyny'

Some MPs have said they are quitting X amid reports its AI tool is being used to create sexualised images.

Ofcom launched an investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform and its chatbot, Grok, which is reportedly being used to create and share undressed images of people, as well as "sexualised images of children".

In the south of England, MPs Layla Moran, Darren Paffey and Vikki Slade are among those announcing their departure from X in recent days.

X referred the BBC to a statement posted by its Safety account in January, which said: "Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content."

Responding to a post asking why other platforms were not being investigated, Musk said the UK government wanted "any excuse for censorship".

Paffey, Labour MP for Southampton and Itchen, said: "Claims that action against X/Grok are about limiting free speech are nonsense – free speech will continue in the many other ways it already does.

"This is about whether I wish to support a profit-making platform which treats sexual abuse and illegal imagery so flippantly."

Liberal Democrats leaving the site include Moran, MP for West Oxford and Abingdon, who wrote: "I can't sleep knowing that I'm leading traffic to a site that actively enables sexual exploitation of women and children."

But Callum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, said: "While I fully understand and respect why some choose to leave, I have chosen to stay.

"I believe clear, critical voices on X can challenge harm and press for higher standards rather than leaving the space unchallenged."

Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, posted: "X has long been polluted by disinformation/hate speech so I stopped proactively posting in 2024, only keeping open to view tags.

"I will be deleting this app from my phone now following increase in misogyny."

MP for Witney, Charlie Maynard, posted that he was "completely appalled" by the reports of Grok being used to create "illegal sexual abuse material".

"I'm therefore taking the decision to stop using X, until this can be stopped and until the platform is properly regulated," he said.

Eastleigh's Liz Jarvis said Ofcom "must use its powers to restrict X in the UK until this situation is resolved... and until that happens, you can find me on BlueSky".

Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, called the platform a "binfire of disinformation, misogyny and hate speech", adding: "I won't be posting on X going forward."

Alex Brewer, MP for North East Hampshire, posted: "This is my final straw. I'm out. Find me where the sky is blue."

The government is bringing in new laws making it illegal to create non-consensual intimate images or supply online tools used to create such images.

Other MPs also announced in recent days they were quitting X but did not give a reason.

Newbury MP Lee Dillon posted on Sunday that he would "no longer be posting on this platform" and Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, posted: "This account has been relatively inactive for some time, but will now be closed."