Elon Musk has stated that critiques aimed at his social media platform X stem from a desire for any excuse for censorship, in light of reports regarding his AI chatbot, Grok, generating non-consensual sexualized images, including those of children.
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has announced an urgent assessment of X in response to these allegations, supported by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, who labeled the manipulation of images involving women and children as despicable and abhorrent. She indicated that updates from Ofcom would be forthcoming within days.
In a controversial move, X has now restricted Grok's AI image functionalities to paid subscribers, a decision criticized by Downing Street as insulting to victims of sexual violence.
Reports indicate the free AI tool has been utilized to undress women and depict them in sexual situations without consent. Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of Musk's children, revealed that Grok generated sexualized images of her as a child, stating the AI depicted her in a basically nude, bent over position despite her explicit non-consent.
St Clair, who previously filed a lawsuit against Musk related to custody of their child, accused the platform of failing to adequately address illegal content, including child sexual abuse imagery, asserting it could easily be resolved with a clear directive to engineers.
As of now, Grok informs users requesting alterations to images that these editing features are restricted to paying members, suggesting subscription as a means to access these functionalities.
An Ofcom spokesperson noted that they had contacted X earlier in the week, giving a deadline for a response regarding the allegations, and confirmed they are conducting an expedited investigation. Ofcom has regulatory powers under the Online Safety Act, potentially enabling them to seek court orders to restrict X's operations in the UK should non-compliance occur.
Kendall has assured Ofcom of complete government support should they choose to pursue blocking X within the UK.
The use of Grok in generating non-consensual sexual images has drawn widespread condemnation from politicians across the spectrum, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeling it disgraceful and disgusting.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the situation as horrible in every way, urging X to implement firmer measures against such incidents while cautioning that banning the platform could infringe on free speech. The Liberal Democrats are advocating for temporary restrictions on X while investigations unfold.
