In brief
Elon Musk has responded to criticism of X's AI feature, Grok, which has caused outrage for generating non-consensual sexualized images, including of minors. The UK's Ofcom is conducting an urgent assessment as officials decry the implications of such technology, raising concerns about the balance between free speech and preventing abuse. Musk's responses highlight the tension between expression and responsibility in the digital age.
Elon Musk has said that critics of his social media site X are looking for any excuse for censorship, amid reports that X's artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok was creating non-consensual sexualized images of people, including children.
Ofcom says it is conducting an urgent assessment of X in response, which has been backed by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. She described the sexual manipulation of images of women and children as despicable and abhorrent and added that she would expect to see an update from Ofcom in days.
X has now limited the use of the AI image function to those who pay a monthly fee, a change dubbed by Downing Street as insulting to victims of sexual violence.
The BBC has seen several examples of the free AI tool undressing women and placing them in sexual situations without their consent. Ashley St Clair, mother of one of Musk's children, told BBC Newshour that Grok had generated sexualized photos of her as a child. St Clair criticized the platform for not taking enough action against illegal content, including child sexual abuse imagery.
As of Friday morning, Grok told users requesting to alter images uploaded to X that image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers, adding users can subscribe to unlock these features.
An Ofcom spokesperson indicated that the agency made contact with X and set a firm deadline for an explanation, to which they received a prompt response. They are now undertaking an expedited assessment as a matter of urgency.
Across the political spectrum, the consequences of Grok's use to generate non-consensual sexualized images have been condemned. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeled it disgraceful, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called it horrible in every way but cautioned against banning the platform, stating that it would be an attack on free speech. The Liberal Democrats have urged for temporary restrictions on X access in the UK during investigations.
