Elon Musk has stated that critics of his social media site X are seeking any excuse for censorship following backlash against its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok, which has been criticized for creating sexualized images of individuals without their knowledge or consent.
In response to the outcry, Ofcom has initiated an urgent assessment of X, supported by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. Concerns have been raised by the chairwomen of Parliament's technology and media committees regarding potential gaps in the Online Safety Act that might hinder Ofcom's regulatory effectiveness.
X has since limited the use of Grok's AI image functionalities to paying subscribers, a decision described by Downing Street as insulting to victims of sexual abuse. Reports have emerged detailing Grok's ability to generate explicit AI images, raising alarms among lawmakers.
In recent comments, Kendall emphasized that she expects a timely update from Ofcom, with potential consequences looming, including the possibility of a ban on X in the UK. Musk has previously used his platform to criticize the government’s reaction, asserting that it seeks to suppress free speech.
Major concerns have emerged from various political sectors, highlighting the bipartisan condemnation of non-consensual sexual imagery generated by AI. Politicians, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, labeled such practices disgraceful, while calls for a temporary access restriction to X escalate.
Internationally, other leaders, including Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, echoed similar concerns about social responsibility in the digital age, reinforcing the need for regulatory measures while X faces scrutiny on multiple fronts.
