UK's Data Protection Watchdog Launches Probe into X and xAI Over Grok AI Sexual Deepfakes
A formal investigation has been launched by the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) into social media platform X, as well as its parent company xAI, over the misuse of their technology to create and spread indecent deepfakes without users' consent. The probe centers on the Grok AI tool, which was used to generate millions of sexually explicit images in under two weeks.
The ICO has expressed "deeply troubling" concerns about how people's personal data was used to create intimate or sexualized images without their knowledge or consent. The watchdog has questioned whether the necessary safeguards were put in place to prevent such misuse and warned that losing control of personal data can cause immediate and significant harm, particularly when children are involved.
The investigation follows a series of public criticism and regulatory scrutiny X faced after its account was used to mass-produce partially nude images of girls and women. The company has since taken measures to address the issue, but several investigations have followed. The ICO's executive director, William Malcolm, stated that the reports about Grok raise serious questions about how people's data is being used in this way.
If found guilty of breaching the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), X could face a fine of up to £17.5m or 4% of its global turnover, estimated at around $90m based on its recent advertising revenue.
The probe also raises questions about the nature of AI-generated imagery and how it is sourced. Iain Wilson, managing partner at law firm Brett Wilson, described the situation as an "egregious breach of data protection law" if photographs of living individuals were used to generate non-consensual sexual images, particularly when children are involved.
In a separate development, the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, announced that it was not investigating xAI, which provides the standalone Grok app. However, Ofcom said its investigation into X was still gathering evidence and could take months. The company has been given a "full opportunity to make representations" before the inquiry is concluded.
A cross-party group of MPs has also written to the technology secretary, urging the government to introduce AI legislation to prevent a repeat of the Grok scandal. The proposed legislation would require AI developers to thoroughly assess the risks posed by their products before they are released.
A formal investigation has been launched by the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) into social media platform X, as well as its parent company xAI, over the misuse of their technology to create and spread indecent deepfakes without users' consent. The probe centers on the Grok AI tool, which was used to generate millions of sexually explicit images in under two weeks.
The ICO has expressed "deeply troubling" concerns about how people's personal data was used to create intimate or sexualized images without their knowledge or consent. The watchdog has questioned whether the necessary safeguards were put in place to prevent such misuse and warned that losing control of personal data can cause immediate and significant harm, particularly when children are involved.
The investigation follows a series of public criticism and regulatory scrutiny X faced after its account was used to mass-produce partially nude images of girls and women. The company has since taken measures to address the issue, but several investigations have followed. The ICO's executive director, William Malcolm, stated that the reports about Grok raise serious questions about how people's data is being used in this way.
If found guilty of breaching the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), X could face a fine of up to £17.5m or 4% of its global turnover, estimated at around $90m based on its recent advertising revenue.
The probe also raises questions about the nature of AI-generated imagery and how it is sourced. Iain Wilson, managing partner at law firm Brett Wilson, described the situation as an "egregious breach of data protection law" if photographs of living individuals were used to generate non-consensual sexual images, particularly when children are involved.
In a separate development, the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, announced that it was not investigating xAI, which provides the standalone Grok app. However, Ofcom said its investigation into X was still gathering evidence and could take months. The company has been given a "full opportunity to make representations" before the inquiry is concluded.
A cross-party group of MPs has also written to the technology secretary, urging the government to introduce AI legislation to prevent a repeat of the Grok scandal. The proposed legislation would require AI developers to thoroughly assess the risks posed by their products before they are released.
... They created all those deepfakes without people's consent, it's like they messed with someone's life 
! The UK's ICO is on the right track investigating X and xAI - we need to make sure these companies follow the rules and respect people's personal data 
. If we can't control our data, who can? We need some sort of legislation that makes AI developers think twice before releasing their products 
This is getting out of hand with these deepfakes 
. I mean, I get that technology advances at an insane pace and we need to regulate it ASAP 
, but X's handling of this situation has been pretty poor 
. I think the ICO is right to launch a probe, and if they find X guilty, the fine should be on point 
. But what really concerns me is that AI-generated imagery can have such devastating consequences, especially when it comes to children 
.
. The fact that Ofcom isn't investigating xAI is interesting, though... maybe they're just trying to avoid getting tangled up in the whole mess 
.
. We can't let companies like X get away with this nonsense and then expect us to just sit back and watch 
️. The government needs to take action and regulate AI development properly 
.
meanwhile the ICO is all like "deeply troubling" concerns and its like yeah no duh they shouldve had better safeguards in place. i mean i get that tech advancements are cool but we cant forget about human rights and data protection 
. The ICO is right to crack down on this - losing control of our personal data can be super damaging, especially when minors are involved 
. I mean, I know they've taken some steps to address it, but it should've been done a long time ago, you know?
...no thanks, mate 
x and its parent company xAI in trouble again 
really worrying that all these deepfakes are being created without people's consent 
especially when it comes to children 
need to be more careful about how we use tech 
gotta protect our personal info 
can't let companies just mess around with our data 
the fact that X and xAI can create millions of them in under two weeks is insane 
and what's even crazier is that these companies are profiting from it 
. it's like they're playing a twisted game with people's personal data 
. now the UK is stepping in and holding them accountable 
. this should be a wake-up call for all companies dealing with AI-generated content 
.
. if they can create deepfakes of kids without their consent, that's just a whole other level of messed up 
. the fact that Ofcom isn't investigating xAI but is still looking into X is interesting 
. we need stricter laws and more accountability 
.
how can we protect ourselves from AI-generated content that could be used to harm us? 
.
but seriously tho, how can xAI and Grok AI just create millions of indecent deepfakes without anyone's consent? that's like, super creepy 
what's next, gonna make kids' faces pop up in those deepfakes too?! 
i know they took some steps to address the issue but i think xAI should be held accountable 
. And let's be real, £17.5m fine? That's like a decent-sized vacation package for some of these folks 
. But seriously, we need to talk about AI responsibility and consent - it's time to set the rules before someone gets hurt