Elon Musk has recently posted AI-generated images of Sir Keir Starmer in swimwear, amidst concerns that X could face closure in the UK due to the emergence of deepfake pornography.
The tech mogul showcased two AI-created pictures of the Prime Minister on X, accompanied by a statement asserting the importance of protecting free speech. This response followed a query regarding the PM’s focus on Grok, X’s AI chatbot, while similar platforms like Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT also produce bikini images upon request.
In response to reports of users exploiting Grok to produce unauthorized sexualized images, including those involving minors, regulatory body Ofcom swiftly initiated discussions with X. Ofcom is conducting a rapid evaluation of the chatbot’s activities in light of these concerns.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall expressed support for potentially blocking access to X in the UK for non-compliance with online safety regulations. She condemned the unethical manipulation of images by Grok and emphasized the need for immediate action from X to address the issue.
X recently restricted access to its image function for users who subscribe to a monthly fee, but this limitation only applies to certain user interactions, allowing other avenues for image creation and editing to remain accessible.
Ms. Kendall condemned the practice of sexually distorting images of individuals and emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation promptly. She highlighted the government’s forthcoming actions to outlaw apps that facilitate such activities, reinforcing laws against creating intimate images without consent.
A spokesperson from Downing Street criticized X for converting a feature enabling the creation of illegal images into a paid service, deeming it disrespectful to victims of abuse. The spokesperson urged X to take decisive action, echoing the Prime Minister’s call for swift intervention.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk defended X against governmental censorship allegations, suggesting that the UK authorities were seeking pretexts for control. He referenced the existence of non-sexualized bikini images generated by other AI programs and shared a post from US lawmaker Anna Paulina Luna, warning of potential repercussions if X was banned in the UK.
X affirmed its commitment to combating illegal content, including child sexual abuse material, by removing such content and collaborating with law enforcement. The platform warned that users engaging in or soliciting illegal content through Grok would face consequences consistent with uploading illicit material.
Grok, an AI assistant available on X with premium features, has drawn criticism for its AI image and video editing capabilities, previously associated with creating deceptive content and unauthorized imagery.
The creation and dissemination of non-consensual intimate images or child sexual abuse material, such as AI-generated deepfakes, are illegal under UK legislation, with online offenders subject to prosecution.
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom possesses the authority to levy substantial fines on businesses, pursue criminal charges, or compel entities like payment providers and advertisers to cease cooperation with a platform, effectively leading to its prohibition, subject to judicial approval.