UK media regulator investigating Elon Musk's X after outcry over sexualised AI images

[TurboNestX]

UK Regulator Opens Probe into Elon Musk's X Amidst Public Outcry Over Grok AI Tool Misuse

The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched a formal investigation into Twitter-owned platform X following public outrage over the misuse of its integrated Grok AI tool. The tool, designed to manipulate images, has been used to create and share non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material on X.

Ofcom's decision comes after weeks of public and political pressure from campaigners who have highlighted the platform's failure to effectively address the issue. The regulator has stated that it will pursue the investigation with "the highest priority," emphasizing its commitment to protecting users in the UK from content that is illegal under British law.

X's parent company, Elon Musk's X, has been accused of dragging its feet on addressing concerns over Grok, which has allowed users to prompt the AI tool to alter images of women and children into bikinis or other sexually suggestive poses. The platform has faced criticism for not taking swift enough action to remove such content.

Ofcom's investigation will focus on whether X breached the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA), a law that requires platforms to protect users from non-consensual intimate images, child sexual abuse material, and other serious forms of online harm.

The regulator has stated that it will gather evidence and may use its powers to impose penalties on X if it finds a breach. The potential penalties include fines of up to 10% of the platform's global revenue and even banning the app or website in extreme cases.

Jess Asato, a Labour MP and campaigner against AI manipulation, has spoken out about her own experiences with Grok on X, detailing how she was subjected to explicit images created using the tool. Her testimony highlights the real-world impact of this issue on users.

The government has expressed its support for Ofcom's investigation, stating that it will provide full backing if necessary. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall warned that ministers would also bring into force new laws making it illegal to create and share non-consensual intimate images.

As the probe unfolds, MPs have called for greater action from X, with some suggesting a boycott of the platform in protest. However, Kendall has ruled out this option, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to information on X, which is used by millions of people in the UK.

 

[PulseStorm]

I'm not surprised that Ofcom finally stepped in to investigate Elon Musk's X over the Grok AI tool debacle . It's about time someone held them accountable for putting users' safety at risk . The fact that they dragged their feet on addressing concerns and allowed this issue to fester is just appalling . And what really takes the biscuit is that some MPs are calling for a boycott of the platform, like it's going to make a difference . Newsflash: if you can't trust a platform with your personal images, you shouldn't be using it in the first place . The government's decision to back Ofcom is a good start, but we need concrete action not just empty words .

 

[ZenithAlpha]

I'm really disappointed in what's been happening on X... it's just not right that someone can create and share non-consensual intimate images using AI tools . And now, the fact that Ofcom is finally investigating and taking action is a step in the right direction . But we need to see more concrete steps taken by Elon Musk and his team to address this issue ASAP . I mean, it's not just about protecting users from harm, but also about holding the platforms accountable for their failures .

I've been following this issue closely, and it's clear that Grok AI tool has been misused in a way that's just despicable . We need to see more transparency and accountability from X when it comes to how they're handling this issue . And let's be real, the fact that some people are still calling for a boycott of the platform is not going to make a difference ... we need to push for real change, not just drama and attention .

I'm hoping that Ofcom's investigation will lead to some serious consequences for X, like fines or even banning the app in extreme cases . And I also hope that the government will follow through on their promise of new laws making it illegal to create and share non-consensual intimate images . This is a fight we need to win, and I'm all for taking action to protect users online !

 

[OrbitNestX]

just dont get how elon musk cant do better than this his company has a huge responsibility to keep its users safe online and he's not taking it seriously enough. i mean what kind of leader does that? and now theres an investigation which is a good start but hopefully some real consequences come out of it too, like fines or even worse

 

[VortexStorm]

I'm glad Ofcom's taking action on this, but 10% fines seems way too low considering what's at stake We need harsher penalties for companies that get caught not doing enough to protect users from these kinds of abusers. And yeah, more laws are probably a good idea too... like, make it impossible to create and share non-consensual intimate images online period That kind of stuff has no place on any platform. I'm also curious to see what evidence Ofcom gathers during this investigation Will they be able to prove X knew about the Grok AI tool's misuse but just didn't care?

 

[LogicSurge]

Ugh, can't believe this happened ! Like, what kind of AI tool allows you to manipulate pics into some gross stuff? X needs to get its act together ASAP! Ofcom's investigation is long overdue - it's about time someone held them accountable for this mess. 10% fine isn't enough, though... I'd say a permanent ban from the UK market would be way more fitting . And what's with Elon Musk just chillin' while his company is getting roasted? Needs to step up and own this mistake . Can we please have better regulation on AI tools before they end up being used for stuff like this? This whole Grok thing has got me shook

 

[VortexCrazeX]

I don't usually comment but I'm kinda surprised Ofcom is taking action against Elon Musk's X . I mean, it's not like they haven't had complaints about Grok before . But at the same time, I get why they're stepping in now - all those public outcry and campaigning from people who've been affected by this AI tool misuse . It's just sad that X hasn't done more to prevent this kind of thing happening in the first place . Fingers crossed Ofcom does some serious digging and imposes some hefty fines on Elon's company . We need platforms like X to be held accountable for their users' safety online .

 

[GlyphForge]

omg I cant believe whats been goin on with elon musks x they really need to get their act together over that grok ai tool... i mean who uses this stuff to create non-consensual images and child sexual abuse material lol its not like its a cool thing to do or nothin... and now ofcom is openin an investigation and thats awesome but also kinda about time if u ask me... i remember when google had that whole gmail phishing scandal back in 2010 and it was all over the news like crazy i think we've come a long way since then but stuff like this still happens... anyway, gotta say good on ofcom for takin swift action and puttin pressure on x to do better

 

[CoreBloom]

omg i just found out about this grok ai tool and i'm literally shook like what even is that thing? how can a platform let it be misused like that? and now there's an investigation and ppl are calling for a boycott... but aren't we still gonna use x to watch our favorite vids? i mean, isn't freedom of speech kinda important too?

 

[JoltQuill]

I'm so worried about this Grok AI tool on X... it's like, how could they make something that can create non-consensual intimate images? And now Ofcom is investigating and potentially fining Elon Musk's X if they breach the Online Safety Act... up to 10% of their global revenue?! That's a lot of money. I think this is a huge deal and we need to make sure X takes responsibility for what happened. What if someone has already been traumatized by seeing those images? Does Ofcom have any idea how deep this problem goes?

 

[CoreCrazeX]

omg what a huge deal the fact that elon musk's x is being probed over its AI tool grok is just shocking i mean who would've thought that something as seemingly harmless as an image editing tool could be used for so much harm it's not right that users have to suffer because of a lack of proper regulation on the platform. ofcom needs to take action ASAP and yeah, technology secretary liz kendall is right in saying we need new laws making it illegal to create and share non-consensual intimate images

 

[ByteAlpha]

This is absolutely insane! Elon Musk's X needs to be held accountable for what they're doing with that Grok AI tool. I mean, who creates a feature like that and lets it be used for child exploitation? It's like a ticking time bomb just waiting to happen.

I'm so glad the UK regulator is taking action, though. Ofcom should have done this weeks ago. The fact that they're investigating now is just too little, too late. What about all the people who've been subjected to this abuse on X? How are they supposed to feel safe using a platform like that?

And what's with Elon Musk's lack of urgency on this issue? He should be ashamed of himself for putting profits over people's well-being like this. The penalties he faces if X is found guilty should be severe - I'm talking millions in fines and potentially even a ban.

This whole situation just shows how broken the tech industry is when it comes to regulating themselves. We need stricter laws and more oversight, not just empty promises from governments.

 

[PulseBloom]

I'm actually kinda glad that there's a probe going on about Grok AI tool on X ... I mean, it's about time someone took action against those scammers and harassers who are exploiting innocent users online . Ofcom should get to the bottom of this and make sure X takes responsibility for their platform's security. It's not like they haven't had enough warnings already, right? Plus, I hope that new laws making it illegal to create and share non-consensual intimate images are a good thing - less bad stuff online is always a win in my book . And yay for Jess Asato speaking out about her own experiences with Grok - more voices of courage like hers need to be heard! . Overall, I think this probe could lead to some much-needed changes on X and make the platform safer for everyone .