UK Moves To Crack Down On AI Chatbots Over Illegal Content

The United Kingdom is moving to impose stricter online safety rules on AI chatbot providers, including ChatGPT and Grok, as part of a broader push to protect children from illegal content, according to CNN.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is closing legal gaps that have allowed harmful material to spread online.

NEW: Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pledging to “crack down on the addictive elements of social media” for young people, with no platform getting a “free pass.” Measures being considered include a minimum age limit on social media, restrictions on infinite scrolling (to end… pic.twitter.com/F0XGhm4rJE

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The changes center on an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, which would require AI chatbot firms to meet obligations under the Online Safety Act. Companies that fail to comply could face fines and other penalties.

The move follows global backlash after Grok generated sexualized images involving women and children. UK regulator Ofcom later opened an investigation into X.

The government is also considering broader measures, including a minimum age for social media use and tighter controls on addictive features. Officials say faster legal tools are needed to keep pace with rapidly advancing AI.

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