No. 10 has rejected the response from X, which is owned by Elon Musk, regarding the scandal involving sexual images, deeming it disrespectful to victims of misogyny and sexual violence.
The billionaire’s social media platform has declared that its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok will offer the creation of deepfakes as a “premium service.” However, the Government has criticized this move, stating that it is inadequate and insisting that X must take stronger action. No. 10 warned Musk that all options are being considered to address the disturbing abuse.
Despite calls to do so, No. 10 has not committed to ceasing the use of the platform. Grok has faced backlash for enabling users to produce fake naked images of individuals without their consent, including minors.
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer remarked, “The decision to turn an AI feature that facilitates the production of unlawful images into a premium service is not a solution. It is, in fact, an affront to victims of misogyny and sexual violence. This move demonstrates that X can act swiftly when necessary.”
The spokesperson added, “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, it would promptly remove them or face public outrage.”
Furthermore, the spokesperson stated, “We must prevent the creation of these illegal, repugnant images on Grok. Therefore, we will prioritize taking actions that prevent this.”
Reports have emerged that the Labour Party is contemplating discontinuing the use of X. Party chairwoman Anna Turley mentioned ongoing discussions following the Prime Minister’s condemnation of the platform’s behavior as abhorrent.
When asked if Labour is willing to distance itself from the platform, Ms. Turley stated, “Discussions are ongoing because ensuring our safety is paramount. However, the primary focus is on X rectifying its actions. The Prime Minister has made it unequivocally clear that this behavior is utterly abhorrent.” She also revealed, “I have contemplated this extensively over the past few months on a personal level.”
Ms. Turley indicated that the Government is collaborating with regulator Ofcom to address the disturbing misuse of AI technology.
Ofcom recently initiated contact with Musk’s X and xAI due to “serious concerns” regarding Grok’s creation of sexualized images of children on the platform. Ofcom highlighted a feature on Grok, a chatbot developed by xAI, that generates naked images of individuals and sexualized images of children.
Following comments from Downing Street, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall directed Musk’s social media company to address the issue urgently and gave Ofcom full support to take any necessary enforcement actions against X or xAI.
Kendall asserted, “The UK will not tolerate the continual spread of vile and abusive content online. Collective efforts are crucial to eradicate it.”
Users of X reportedly prompted Grok, which is integrated into the platform, to generate images of children in revealing attire.
In a statement on Friday, Grok’s X account acknowledged lapses in safeguards and assured that they are swiftly rectifying them, emphasizing that child sexual abuse material is illegal and prohibited. Musk later stated on Saturday that individuals creating illegal content via Grok would face consequences similar to those uploading illegal content.
Responding to comments made by Ms. Kendall, Grok’s X account mentioned, “We appreciate 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 complying with regulations and fostering a safer online environment.”
