The UK is considering banning Elon Musk’s X social media platform from government use due to concerns about its artificial intelligence chatbot generating sexualized deepfake images of children. Downing Street stated that all options are being explored, including a possible boycott of X, with support for media regulator Ofcom to intervene.
Ofcom recently initiated discussions with Musk’s X and xAI after discovering troubling issues with the AI tool named Grok, which reportedly produced inappropriate images of minors on the platform. The government condemned the situation, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address these offensive images and expressing full support for Ofcom to enforce regulations and protect UK users.
In response to the controversy, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson emphasized the gravity of the situation and underscored the government’s commitment to combatting such harmful content online. The spokesperson highlighted the authority Ofcom possesses to penalize offenders and restrict access to platforms violating laws, leaving all potential measures on the table.
Regarding the government’s use of the app, the spokesperson indicated that no decision had been made yet, reiterating that all options remain under consideration. While TikTok is already banned on government devices, certain ministers, like Keir Starmer, maintain accounts on the platform.
The government’s stance aligns with Technology Secretary Liz Kendall’s directive to Musk’s social media company to address the issue promptly and authorized Ofcom to take necessary enforcement actions against X and xAI. Kendall emphasized the UK’s intolerance for the dissemination of offensive online content and called for collective efforts to eradicate such material.
Users on X reportedly triggered Grok to generate inappropriate images of children, prompting Musk’s acknowledgment of lapses in safeguards and a commitment to rectify them promptly. Musk warned of consequences for those misusing Grok to produce illegal content and emphasized their accountability.
Grok’s X account acknowledged the concerns raised by Ms. Kendall and affirmed ongoing efforts to enhance safeguards to prevent harmful content, including better filtering of inappropriate prompts. Musk announced the release of a new version of Grok and encouraged users to update their app, although the specific updates in the new version remain undisclosed.