UK investigates Musks X over Grok deepfake concerns

The UK's media watchdog has initiated an inquiry into Elon Musk's social media platform, X, amid rising worries that its Grok AI chatbot is generating sexually explicit deepfake images, potentially breaching regulations designed to safeguard UK users from illegal content. Ofcom's investigation adds pressure on Musk's platform, which is already grappling with a swell of public discontent and scrutiny from regulatory bodies globally, ranging from France to India. In a statement, Ofcom expressed alarm over reports indicating that Grok has been utilized to create and disseminate illegal non-consensual intimate images, as well as child sexual abuse material on the platform. The regulator emphasized the necessity for social media platforms to shield British users from unlawful content, pledging that it would not hesitate to take action if there are indications that companies are neglecting their responsibilities, particularly when it concerns the welfare of children. In response to the investigation, X referred to a previous declaration asserting its commitment to combating illegal content, including child sexual abuse materials, by removing such content, suspending offending accounts, and collaborating with government authorities and law enforcement as necessary. The company stated, "Anyone using or prompting Grok to create illegal content will face the same repercussions as if they directly uploaded illegal content." Criticism of Grok has escalated, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeling the images produced by the AI as "disgusting" and "unlawful." He urged Musk's X to take more stringent measures regarding Grok. This case may serve as a critical test for the UK's online safety law, which was introduced in 2023 and is being progressively enforced by Ofcom. Business Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged the possibility of banning X, noting that the authority to do so rests with Ofcom. Musk recently voiced his opinion on X, suggesting that the British government’s focus on Grok is an attempt to infringe upon free speech. However, Starmer's spokesperson countered that the government's primary concern lies with tackling child sexual abuse imagery and violence against women and girls, stating, "It is wrong, it is unlawful and we are not going to tolerate it." The international backlash against X's Grok feature continues to grow, with officials in France reporting it to prosecutors and regulators for producing content deemed "manifestly illegal." Indian authorities have also sought explanations, while Indonesia and Malaysia briefly blocked access to Grok over the weekend. X has responded by limiting requests to generate images that undress individuals to paying users. Ofcom's investigation will assess whether X adequately evaluated the risk of users in Britain encountering illegal content and the potential risks to children. In severe cases of non-compliance, Ofcom could seek court orders to compel financial services or advertisers to withdraw their support from the platform, or even demand that internet service providers block access to X within the UK.