No.10 has rejected the response from Elon Musk’s company, X, regarding the scandal involving sexual images, calling it “disrespectful to victims of misogyny and sexual violence.”
The tech mogul’s social media platform has declared that its AI chatbot Grok will now offer a “premium service” for creating deepfake content. Despite this announcement, the Government has criticized the move, stating that it is insufficient and demanding further action from X. They have warned Musk that all possibilities are being considered to address the disturbing abuse.
While there have been calls to cease using the platform, No.10 has not committed to doing so at this time. Grok has faced backlash for enabling the creation of fake nude images of individuals, including minors, without their consent.
A representative for Keir Starmer remarked, “The decision to turn an AI feature that facilitates the production of illegal images into a premium service is not a solution. In reality, it is offensive to those affected by misogyny and sexual violence. It demonstrates that X can act swiftly when necessary.”
The spokesperson emphasized, “As the Prime Minister stated clearly yesterday, X must take immediate action. It is time for X to address this problem. If another media entity displayed illegal images on billboards in public areas, it would promptly remove them or face public outrage.”
They added, “We must prevent the production of these illegal and repugnant images on Grok. Therefore, we will prioritize actions that put an end to such activities.”
Recent reports suggest that the Labour Party is contemplating discontinuing its use of X. Party chairwoman Anna Turley revealed that discussions are underway following the Prime Minister’s condemnation of the platform’s behavior as abhorrent.
When asked about the possibility of abandoning the platform, Ms. Turley stated, “Discussions are ongoing because ensuring a safe environment is paramount. However, the immediate focus is on X rectifying its actions. The Prime Minister has made it unequivocally clear that this behavior is utterly abhorrent.” She shared, “Personally, I have given this considerable thought in recent months.”
Ms. Turley mentioned that the Government is collaborating with the regulator Ofcom to address the misuse of AI technology.
Ofcom recently reached out to Musk’s X and xAI due to “serious concerns” about Grok generating sexualized images of children on the platform. They highlighted a feature on Grok, an xAI-developed chatbot, that produces naked images of individuals and sexualized images of minors.
Following these developments, the UK’s Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, instructed Musk’s social media company to address the issue urgently and extended full support to Ofcom for any enforcement actions required against X or xAI.
Kendall emphasized, “It is clear that the UK will not tolerate the continuous dissemination of offensive and abusive content online. We must unite to eradicate it.”
Users on X have reportedly prompted Grok, an integrated feature on the platform, to generate images of children in revealing attire.
In a statement on Grok’s X account, the company acknowledged lapses in safeguards and assured urgent rectifications, noting that child sexual abuse material is illegal and prohibited. Musk also warned that individuals producing illegal content through Grok will face consequences similar to those uploading such content.
Responding to comments made by Ms. Kendall, Grok’s X account stated, “We value the feedback and take deepfake concerns seriously. xAI is actively enhancing Grok’s safeguards to prevent harmful content, including better filtering of inappropriate prompts. We are committed to compliance with regulations and promoting a safer online environment.”