Women should consider ‘leaving X’ unless abuse is tackled, says Victims’ Commissioner

Speaking extensively to Channel 4 News about the responsibility of tech platforms to protect users, in the wake of this week’s revelations about explicit AI (artificial intelligence) content proliferating on X, Ms Waxman said platforms that fail to put safeguards in place should be taken down until they can guarantee user safety, and urged Elon Musk to ensure his platform does not enable sexual violence and abuse.

The comments came as part of a wide-ranging and exclusive interview with Cathy Newman on Channel 4 News just days into Ms Waxman’s new role. In her first interview, she addressed the findings about vetting in the Metropolitan Police Service, the state of the criminal justice system, and key government policies, including the Sentencing Bill, which she said “poses serious risks to victims” by enabling the early release of rapists and stalkers.

On her views about image-based sexual abuse on Grok

“Well, I think if you can see something is causing such harm and it’s enabling sexual violence and abuse against women and children, it’s enabling child sex abuse, then we need to make sure that the safeguards are in place. And if you can’t do that quickly enough, then I would say you need to take it down until you can.

“He’s not going to do that”, she said, adding: “These platforms need to take responsibility and keep their users safe.

“I would happily have a meeting with Elon Musk. He’s shown interest in our country in relation to victims and I would ask him please make sure that your platform is safe. Enabling enables and normalises far too much abuse.”

She concluded: “I have to say after this week, I’ve been considering – and we could all do this – should we stay in an environment that allows the abuse of women and children and normalises it? And these are serious questions and things I’ve started to think about. Maybe it’s time to leave […] If we are not safe on this platform, should we be staying there? […] If someone isn’t going to take action and listen to the concerns of women and girls, then that is probably the only way we can voice that this is an issue for women.”

On Thursday’s revelations about the Metropolitan Police Service

Asked about news that two serial rapists were among 131 officers and staff in the Metropolitan Police Service who committed crimes or misconduct after not being properly vetted, Ms Waxman said public safety had been compromised by recruitment targets.

“I mean, today’s findings are shocking. We always knew this was going to come to light. The Met Commissioner made a commitment when he came in that we had to root out these predatory officers. And unfortunately, vetting has been compromised, safety, public safety has been compromised in this drive to recruit more officers and as you say, diverse officers as well. So it’s a real challenge for the Met to get on top of this”, she said.

On the state of the criminal justice system and the implications of the Sentencing Bill for women

Ms Waxman went on to say the criminal justice system was “in crisis”, with an 80,000-case backlog leaving victims waiting years for trials.

“I have been calling for years to clear this backlog because I see the direct impact it has on victims and survivors going through our criminal justice system. I have sat with victims who have waited six to seven years to get into court. It’s inhumane,” she said.

“I have spoken to rape victims that have attempted to take their life as a result of our criminal justice system in this country. That’s how severe the impacts are. So that’s why I have been pushing government and I’ll work with the legal profession, I will work with anyone to ensure that we bring forward bold reform to drive down those backlogs and provide swifter, more effective justice for victims, in particular rape victims.”

Speaking further about the Government’s flagship criminal justice reforms, Ms Waxman was particularly critical of key elements of the Sentencing Bill.

“Unfortunately, some of the measures in the Sentencing Bill do pose serious risks to victims and the public. I am concerned about those measures and unfortunately they are counter to what the government is saying about their ambition to halve violence against women and girls when, unfortunately, the changes around recall and of course, banning short sentences under 12 months will put victims of domestic abuse, of stalking, of coercive control potentially at risk,” she said.

In a previous statement, X said: “We take action against illegal content on X, including CSAM, by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary. Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.”

The interview was aired on Channel 4 from 7pm on Thursday night and is available across digital platforms.

Ms Waxman succeeded the late Baroness Newlove as Victims’ Commissioner.

Taking up her post on January 5, she said: “I step into this role at a time when our justice system faces unprecedented challenges. Yet it is victims who bear the brunt of this pressure – from agonising delays for their case to reach court, to a system overwhelmed by demand and under-resourced to meet it. We are going to have to work hard to rebuild victims’ trust and I am worried that the Sentencing Bill risks further undermining victim confidence when it is already at its most fragile.

“I intend to hit the ground running, ensuring the victim’s voice is front and centre so that policy drawn up in Westminster translates into real change on the ground for victims, survivors and their families across England and Wales. I am determined to shape a justice process that provides victims with the fair and effective justice they deserve, and the support they need.”