In brief
Elon Musk has sparked controversy by defending his platform's AI chatbot, Grok, amid claims it creates sexualized images without consent. Critics, including UK officials and lawmakers, call for regulation of the technology, pointing to gaps in existing laws. X has limited Grok's capabilities for non-paying users after public outcry. The situation raises critical questions about AI's ethical use and social media's responsibility in preventing harmful content.
Elon Musk has said critics of his social media site X are looking for any excuse for censorship, after its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok drew criticism over its use to create sexualised images of people without their knowledge or consent.
Ofcom says it is conducting an urgent assessment of X in response, with the backing of Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
But the chairwomen of Parliament's technology and media committees have both said they are concerned that gaps in the Online Safety Act might hinder the media regulator's ability to deal with the matter.
X has now limited the use of its AI image function to those who pay a monthly fee, a change dubbed by Downing Street as insulting to victims of sexual violence.
The BBC has seen several examples of the free AI tool undressing women and putting them in sexual situations without their consent.
Kendall said on Friday that expects an update from Ofcom within days, and that it would have the government's full support should it decide to block X in the UK.
Musk reposted a number of messages on the site criticizing the government's reproval of Grok, including one which showed AI-generated images of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a bikini.
He asserted, They just want to suppress free speech.
Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musk's children, highlighted her experience with Grok, claiming it generated sexualized photos of her as a child. She accused the platform of not taking sufficient actions against illegal content.
As of Friday morning, Grok was informing users requesting image alterations that these features were restricted to paying subscribers.
An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed they initiated contact with X regarding the matter, and are assessing the situation urgently.
Dame Chi Onwurah, chairwoman of the innovation and technology committee, has expressed confusion about the regulatory response and written to Ofcom for clarification.
The international scrutiny also grows, as Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the non-consensual imagery, stating it illustrates the social irresponsibility of media platforms.
Meanwhile, Grok was suspended in Indonesia, with officials indicating the severity of non-consensual depictions in digital spaces.
