Elon Musk's online network X has caused major outrage after users used its AI chatbot Grok to alter images of females by removing their attire.
Numerous examples have emerged where the tool has been used to remove clothing from female subjects to make them appear in bikinis without permission, as well as to place them in sexualized situations.
Developer Response and Regulatory Position
XAI, the organization responsible for Grok, did not respond to questions, other than an standard message stating "traditional news outlets lies".
A Home Office representative stated that new laws is being introduced to prohibit nudification technology. Under a proposed criminal offence, anyone who distributed such technology would "be subject to a jail term and heavy penalties".
"X or Grok is capable of halting these forms of abuse if they wanted to," said Clare McGlynn, adding they "operate with a lack of consequences."
Oversight Body Stance and Platform Functionality
The regulator Ofcom said platforms must "assess the potential" of people accessing unlawful material on their services, but did not specify whether it was at this time investigating X or Grok in relation to AI-generated images.
Grok is a no-cost artificial intelligence—with some premium features—which answers X users' prompts when they mention it in a tweet.
It is commonly used to offer commentary or additional background to other posters' remarks, but people on X are also able to modify an uploaded photo through its AI image editing tool.
Background of Criticism and Policy
The tool has been faulted for enabling users to create photos and footage with nudity and sexually suggestive material, and it was previously alleged to have been involved in creating graphic content of public figures.
"X has been permitting the creation and spread of these images for a long time without taking any steps and we have yet to see any challenge by oversight bodies," the expert added.
XAI's own usage rules prohibits "showing likenesses of individuals in a pornographic manner".
In a statement, Ofcom said it was against the law to "generate or circulate non-consensual intimate images or child sexual abuse material" and clarified this covered sexual deepfakes created with AI.
It said platforms such as X were mandated to take "suitable actions" to "lessen the danger" of users encountering unlawful content on their services and to take down it swiftly when they are notified of it.
