Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has launched a serious investigation into Elon Musk's platform, X, following alarming reports regarding its AI tool, Grok. The regulator expressed concerns that Grok may be facilitating the creation and distribution of sexualised images, including non-consensual pictures of individuals and disturbing imagery involving minors.
In a recent statement, Ofcom highlighted the deeply troubling reports that have surfaced, indicating that Grok is being utilized to generate explicit and sexualised images without the consent of the individuals depicted. This includes cases of women being portrayed in undressed and exploitative positions, raising significant ethical and legal issues. One individual reported that over 100 sexualised images of her have been produced and shared online, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
If Ofcom determines that X has breached UK laws regarding the sharing of illegal content, the platform could face substantial penalties. The fines could reach up to 10% of X's global revenue or £18 million, whichever is higher. As part of its investigation, Ofcom will scrutinize whether X acted swiftly enough to remove illegal content once it was reported.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall is set to address Members of Parliament about the implications of Grok in the House of Commons. Her predecessor, Peter Kyle, expressed his outrage on BBC Breakfast, stating that it was appalling that Grok had not undergone thorough testing. Kyle recounted a shocking incident where a Jewish woman's image was manipulated to appear in a bikini outside a sensitive historical site, expressing his disgust at the misuse of AI technology.
The global response to Grok's capabilities has been overwhelmingly negative, prompting countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to temporarily block access to the tool. Such actions highlight the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
An Ofcom spokesperson emphasized the importance of protecting individuals in the UK from illegal online content, stating, "Platforms must protect people in the UK from content that's illegal in the UK." The regulator has made it clear that it will not hesitate to investigate companies that appear to be neglecting their responsibilities, especially when there is a risk of harm to children.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Elon Musk's X and its AI tool Grok could be significant, potentially reshaping the landscape of AI content creation and user safety on digital platforms.