Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, announced on Monday that it is launching an investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform. The investigation aims to determine whether fabricated sexual images produced by the Grok chatbot using deepfake technology constitute a breach of the platform’s duty to protect users in the UK from illegal content.
The authority explained in a statement that there are disturbing reports indicating that Grok, powered by artificial intelligence, is being used on X to create and publish nude images of people, which may be classified as misuse of intimate images or pornography. It also added that the matter may extend to the creation of sexual images of children, which is considered child sexual abuse material.
This step comes after statements by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the images produced by Grok as “repulsive” and “illegal.” He stressed on Thursday that X needs to “get a grip” on the robot, noting the government’s full support for Ofcom’s actions.
In Britain, creating or sharing intimate images without the consent of their owners or child sexual abuse material, including sexually explicit images generated by artificial intelligence, is a crime punishable by law. The laws also obligate technology platforms to prevent British users from accessing illegal content and removing it once they are aware of it.
X has faced similar criticism in other countries because of this feature that may produce images of women and minors in revealing clothes. French officials informed prosecutors and regulators that the content was “clearly illegal,” while Indian authorities also requested clarifications on the matter.
The Grok feature on X is limited to users who pay a subscription only. The platform announced last week that it will remove any illegal content and will permanently suspend the accounts involved, explaining that anyone using Grok to create illegal content will face the same penalties as those who publish the content themselves.
Ofcom will investigate whether the platform has failed to assess the risks that users, especially children, may be exposed to, and whether the measures taken are sufficient. The authority added that in cases of serious non-compliance, it can ask the court to oblige payment or advertising providers to withdraw their services, or for Internet providers to block access to the platform within Britain. (Al Arabiya)
