Elon Musk’s platform X has faced criticism from the UK’s Technology Secretary over the presence of inappropriate deepfake content involving children. Liz Kendall issued a stern warning to Musk, emphasizing that the UK will not tolerate the dissemination of offensive material online.
Kendall urged Musk’s social media company to address the issue promptly and expressed full support for Ofcom to take necessary enforcement actions against X and xAI. Ofcom, the UK’s media regulatory body, has reached out to Musk’s platforms regarding concerns about the AI tool, Grok, generating sexualized images of children.
Reports indicate that users on X requested Grok to create altered images of individuals, including placing them in swimwear or minimal clothing. Notable figures like Kate Middleton have reportedly been targeted by this activity. Kendall condemned the circulation of demeaning deepfakes online, particularly aimed at women and girls.
Emphasizing the need for urgent action, Kendall stressed that platforms like X have a responsibility to combat such content. She supported Ofcom’s swift investigation into the matter to uphold legal standards without infringing on freedom of speech.
The UK government has prioritized addressing intimate image abuse and cyberflashing, including offenses related to AI-generated content, under the Online Safety Act. Kendall highlighted that legislation has been introduced to prohibit the creation of explicit deepfake content without consent, emphasizing their harmful nature.
In response to the situation, a statement from Grok on X acknowledged shortcomings in their safeguards and pledged to rectify them promptly. The company reiterated its commitment to compliance with regulations and ensuring a safer online environment for users.
As the issue unfolds, Ofcom has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal online activities and protecting children. The regulatory body has engaged with X and xAI to assess their compliance with legal responsibilities in safeguarding users. The Online Safety Act mandates tech companies to proactively mitigate the risk of encountering illicit content and promptly remove it when identified.
Grok on X has acknowledged concerns raised by Kendall and is actively enhancing safeguards to prevent harmful content, including improving the blockage of inappropriate prompts. The company stated its dedication to regulatory compliance and fostering a secure online space.