Story Highlight
– Elon Musk criticizes censorship claims against X’s Grok.
– Ofcom conducting urgent assessment of X’s AI image use.
– X limits AI image function to paying subscribers only.
– Politicians express concern over gaps in Online Safety Act.
– Grok’s non-consensual images condemned internationally by leaders.
Full Story
Elon Musk has defended his social media platform X against critics who accuse it of enabling censorship, following backlash over its AI chatbot Grok. This criticism arose after Grok was reported to have generated explicit images of individuals without their consent. In light of these developments, Ofcom has announced an urgent review of the platform, endorsed by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
Concerns regarding weaknesses in the Online Safety Act have been raised by both the chairwomen of Parliament’s technology and media committees. They worry that such gaps could impede Ofcom’s capability to effectively address the issues surrounding X. In response to the mounting pressure, X has restricted the use of its AI image function to paid subscribers, a move deemed “insulting” to victims by Downing Street. The BBC reported numerous instances of the AI tool generating inappropriate representations of women.
Kendall indicated that she anticipates an update from Ofcom within a few days, asserting the government’s full backing if the regulator opts to block X in the UK. Musk shared several posts on X critiquing the government’s stance, one of which featured computer-generated images of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He argued, “They just want to suppress free speech.”
Ashley St Clair, who shares a child with Musk, revealed on BBC Newshour that Grok had created sexualized images of her when she was a minor. She described one instance where her likeness was altered to appear in a compromising position, despite her clear objections to the chatbot. St Clair has filed a lawsuit against Musk seeking sole custody, claiming that more stringent measures are necessary to combat illegal content on the platform.
As of Friday, Grok notified users that modifications to images were exclusively available to paying subscribers. An Ofcom representative disclosed that they had reached out to X earlier in the week, establishing a deadline for the platform to respond. The spokesperson confirmed that an accelerated assessment is currently underway.
Ofcom’s authority under the Online Safety Act includes the ability to seek judicial orders that might limit X’s operations in the UK if compliance is not achieved. However, Dame Chi Onwurah, chair of the innovation and technology committee, voiced her confusion regarding the regulatory response and contacted Ofcom and Kendall for further clarity. She noted that it remains uncertain whether the creation of such artificial images is illegal and emphasized the necessity for clear guidelines.
Caroline Dinenage, chair of the culture, media and sport committee, echoed these sentiments, expressing concerns that the existing legislation may fall short in governing generative AI’s capacity to produce images without consent. Politicians from various parties have condemned the use of Grok for generating non-consensual images. Starmer labeled the practice as “disgraceful,” while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described it as “horrible in every way.” Nevertheless, he cautioned that banning the platform could infringe on free speech principles. The Liberal Democrats have called for a temporary halt to X’s operations in the UK during investigations.
Globally, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese concurred with Starmer, decrying the material as “completely abhorrent” and noted that the country’s digital safety commissioner is examining the situation. He stated, “Australians and indeed, global citizens deserve better.” Additionally, Grok has been suspended temporarily in Indonesia, with the nation’s digital minister condemning non-consensual deepfakes as serious violations of human rights and digital safety.
