No10 has rejected the response from Elon Musk’s company X regarding the scandal involving sexual images, deeming it disrespectful to victims of misogyny and sexual violence.
The tech mogul’s social media platform has revealed that its AI chatbot Grok will offer the creation of deepfakes as a premium feature. The Government, however, has criticized this move as inadequate and urged X to take more substantial actions, cautioning Musk that all options are being considered to address the disturbing misconduct.
Despite calls to do so, No10 has not committed to discontinuing its use of the platform. Grok has faced backlash for enabling users to produce fabricated nude images of individuals without consent, including minors.
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer stated, “The decision to turn an AI feature that facilitates the production of illegal images into a premium service is not a resolution. It not only disrespects victims of misogyny and sexual violence but also demonstrates X’s ability to act promptly when necessary.”
The spokesperson emphasized, “As the Prime Minister emphasized yesterday, X must take immediate action. It is time for X to address this issue. If another media entity displayed illegal images on billboards in public areas, swift action would be taken to remove them or face public outcry.”
“We must prevent the creation of these illegal and abhorrent images on Grok. Our focus will be on measures that achieve this goal,” the spokesperson added.
Reports have emerged that the Labour Party is contemplating discontinuing its use of X. Party chairwoman Anna Turley disclosed ongoing discussions following the Prime Minister’s condemnation of the platform’s behavior as abhorrent.
When asked about potentially severing ties with the platform, Ms. Turley remarked, “Discussions are ongoing to ensure a safe environment. However, the primary concern is for X to rectify its behavior. The Prime Minister’s stance on this issue is unequivocal.” She also shared, “On a personal level, I have been contemplating this for the past few months.”
Ms. Turley noted that the Government is collaborating with Ofcom to address the misuse of AI technology.
Ofcom recently initiated contact with Musk’s X and xAI due to grave apprehensions regarding Grok’s creation of sexualized images of children on the platform. Ofcom highlighted a feature on Grok, developed by xAI, that generates unclothed images of individuals and sexualized images of minors.
Following Technology Secretary Liz Kendall’s directive for Musk’s social media company to address the matter urgently, Downing Street weighed in, expressing support for Ofcom to take any necessary enforcement action against X or xAI.
Kendall stressed, “The UK will not tolerate the proliferation of offensive and abusive content online. It is imperative that we work together to eradicate it.”
Instances have surfaced where users on X prompted Grok to produce images of children in revealing attire. A post on Grok’s X account acknowledged deficiencies in safeguards and pledged urgent corrections, stating that child sexual abuse material is unlawful and prohibited. Musk later warned that individuals creating illicit content on Grok would face consequences similar to uploading illegal content.
In response to comments from Ms. Kendall, Grok’s X account reassured, “We value the feedback and take deepfake concerns seriously. xAI is actively strengthening Grok’s safeguards to prevent harmful content, including better blocking of inappropriate prompts. We are committed to compliance with regulations and fostering a safer online environment.”