UK communications regulator Ofcom has raised fresh concerns about how effectively X removes suspected illegal hate and terrorism-related material, despite evidence that the social media platform has become faster at reviewing reports.
In an update published on 14 October 2026, Ofcom said X had submitted its first quarterly performance report under commitments agreed with the regulator in May. The figures appear to show improvements in response times and performance within agreed targets, but the regulator said questions remained about the outcomes of content moderation decisions.
Faster reviews, but concerns about removals
X had committed to reviewing and assessing suspected illegal hate and terrorist content submitted through its dedicated UK reporting tool within 24 hours on average over three months. It also agreed to assess at least 85% of such reports within 48 hours.
Ofcom said the first quarterly data appeared to meet those response-time commitments. It will independently cross-check the figures and expects the improvements to be maintained. However, it reported ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of X's response in removing illegal material and mixed reports about its engagement with external experts.
Grok investigation continues
The regulator also updated its formal investigation into X, opened in January after reports of Grok being used on the platform to generate and share sexualised deepfake images of real people, including children. Ofcom has gathered evidence about X's assessment of illegal-content risks, reporting arrangements and moderation decisions.
Ofcom has not yet determined that X breached the Online Safety Act. If it concludes there are reasonable grounds to suspect a breach, it may issue provisional findings, to which X would have an opportunity to respond before any final decision.
Changes to age checks and standalone Grok
Ofcom said its investigation had identified circumstances in which pornographic content behind age restrictions on X could still be accessed by accounts not verified as belonging to adults. Following regulatory engagement, X made changes intended to restrict such content consistently to accounts completing its designated age-assurance process.
The regulator is now focusing the remainder of its investigation on illegal-content duties and associated complaints and reporting obligations, while continuing to monitor age checks.
Separately, Ofcom said SpaceXAI, formerly xAI, had introduced restrictions affecting pornographic image generation and access through standalone Grok for UK users, alongside restrictions on sexually explicit conversations with companion chatbots. Ofcom noted that gaps in the legislation had limited its ability to investigate image creation within the standalone chatbot service itself.
What happens next?
Ofcom expects to publish further analysis of X's performance early in 2027, after receiving more quarterly data. Its formal investigation remains open. No fine or final infringement finding has been announced in the 14 October update.