Elon Musk recently posted AI-generated pictures of Sir Keir Starmer in swimwear, amidst concerns about potential legal actions against X in the UK due to the spread of deepfake pornographic content.
The tech mogul took to social media to share two AI-generated images of the Prime Minister, criticizing attempts to stifle freedom of speech. This reaction followed questions about the focus on Grok, X’s AI chatbot, compared to other AI platforms like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which also create similar images upon request.
Ofcom, the regulatory body, initiated urgent discussions with X after reports surfaced that users exploited Grok to produce unauthorized sexualized images, including those involving minors. Ofcom is now conducting a rapid evaluation of the chatbot’s operations.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, expressed support for blocking access to X in the UK for non-compliance with online safety regulations. Kendall condemned the manipulation of images of women and children and emphasized the need for immediate action from X.
In response, X restricted the image function to paying users, but only for specific interactions, while other image editing features, including on a separate Grok website, remained accessible.
Kendall reiterated the urgency of the situation and anticipated updates from Ofcom in the near future. She also announced government plans to outlaw apps that facilitate the creation of unauthorized images under the Crime and Policing Bill.
Downing Street criticized X for converting an AI feature that enables the creation of illicit images into a premium service, considering it disrespectful to victims of exploitation. The government demanded swift action from X to address the issue promptly.
Elon Musk defended X, accusing the UK government of seeking pretexts for censorship. He highlighted that other AI programs also generate bikini images of women without sexual connotations. Additionally, a US legislator threatened consequences if X faced a ban in the UK.
X clarified its stance on illegal content, affirming strict measures against unlawful materials. The platform emphasized the consequences for users engaging in or requesting illicit content through Grok.
Grok, a free AI assistant with premium features, has faced scrutiny for its AI image and video editing capabilities, which have led to the creation of deceptive content in the past.
Creating or distributing non-consensual intimate images or child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated deepfakes, violates UK laws, and offenders may be prosecuted.
The Online Safety Act empowers Ofcom to impose substantial fines on businesses, pursue legal action, or collaborate with service providers to restrict access to offending websites, subject to court approval.