No. 10 has rejected the response from Elon Musk’s company X concerning the scandal involving sexual images, deeming it disrespectful to victims of misogyny and sexual violence. The tech billionaire’s social media platform has revealed that its AI chatbot Grok will offer the creation of deepfakes as a premium service. The government has criticized this move, stating that it is insufficient and demanding that X take further action, cautioning Musk that all options are being considered to address the disturbing abuse.
Despite calls to discontinue its usage, No. 10 has not committed to ceasing its use of the platform. Grok has faced backlash for enabling users to produce fake nude images of individuals without consent, including minors.
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer remarked, “The decision to turn an AI function that facilitates the production of illegal images into a premium service is not a resolution. In reality, it is a disregard for the victims of misogyny and sexual violence. This development demonstrates that X can act swiftly when necessary.”
The spokesperson emphasized, “As the Prime Minister stated, X must take action immediately; it is time for X to address this issue. If another media entity displayed illegal images on billboards in town centers, they would promptly remove them or face public outrage.”
“We must prevent the creation of these illegal, repugnant images on Grok. Therefore, we will prioritize actions that prevent this,” the spokesperson added.
Recently, the Labour Party disclosed that it is contemplating discontinuing its use of X. Party chairwoman Anna Turley mentioned ongoing discussions following the PM’s condemnation of the platform’s behavior as abhorrent.
When asked about potentially severing ties with the platform, Ms. Turley stated, “Discussions are ongoing because ensuring our safety is paramount. However, the immediate focus is on X rectifying the situation. The Prime Minister’s stance on this being utterly abhorrent is crystal clear.” She also revealed, “I have given this considerable thought over the past few months on a personal level.”
Ms. Turley highlighted that the government is collaborating with regulator Ofcom to address the troubling misuse of AI technology.
Ofcom recently initiated contact with Musk’s X and xAI due to grave concerns regarding Grok’s creation of sexualized images of children on the platform. The regulatory body highlighted a feature on Grok, an xAI-developed chatbot, that generates naked images of individuals and sexualized images of minors.
Downing Street’s remarks followed Technology Secretary Liz Kendall’s directive for Musk’s social media company to urgently address the issue and extended her full support to Ofcom in taking any necessary enforcement actions against X or xAI.
Kendall emphasized, “The UK will not tolerate the continuous dissemination of vile and abusive content online. We must unite to eradicate it.”
Users on X seemingly prompted Grok, an integrated feature on the platform, to produce images of children in scant clothing.
A post on Grok’s X account acknowledged deficiencies in safeguards and the urgent measures being taken to rectify them, stating that child sexual abuse material is illegal and prohibited. Musk later declared, “Any individual using Grok to create illegal content will face consequences as if they had uploaded illegal content.”
In response to comments made by Liz Kendall, Grok’s X account reassured, “We value the feedback and take concerns about deepfakes seriously. xAI is actively enhancing Grok’s safeguards to prevent harmful content, including improved blocking of inappropriate prompts. We are committed to compliance with regulations and promoting a safer online environment.”