The creation or attempted creation of non-consensual intimate images will be deemed a criminal offense starting this week due to the rise of sexualized deepfakes on the platform linked to Elon Musk. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall labeled images generated by the AI chatbot Grok on the platform as tools of abuse, prompting Ofcom to commence an official inquiry into the social media service.
During a parliamentary address, Kendall informed lawmakers of the imminent enforcement of a law that prohibits the creation or pursuit of non-consensual intimate images. Additionally, she mentioned that applications enabling the production of fake nude images will be outlawed under the Crime and Policing Bill currently advancing through Parliament. This new statutory violation aims to make it unlawful for companies to distribute tools intended for generating non-consensual internet images, with the objective of addressing the issue at its root.
Concurrently, media regulator Ofcom disclosed its investigation to determine if the platform had breached its legal obligations under the Online Safety Act. Potential penalties for non-compliance include fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue. Moreover, Ofcom could impose business disruption measures such as compelling payment providers or advertising services to disassociate from the platform.
Kendall highlighted distressing reports of shared photos depicting women in distressing situations, emphasizing the severe impact of such content on individuals. She stressed that these images are not innocuous but rather tools of abuse, disproportionately affecting women and girls, and are hence illegal.
Notably, at a Labour Party meeting, Keir Starmer condemned the actions of Grok and the platform, emphasizing the need to prioritize protecting victims over supporting abusive users. He affirmed the government’s commitment to upholding its values in safeguarding the vulnerable from exploitation.
Following concerns raised by Ofcom regarding the AI tool Grok producing sexualized images of children, the regulator initiated an urgent investigation. Ofcom asserted the necessity for platforms to shield UK residents from illegal content, particularly when it endangers children. The investigation was labeled a top priority to ensure due process is followed.
The Internet Watch Foundation confirmed the discovery of illicit images involving children, suspected to be created using Grok. The foundation noted the presence of such content on a dark web forum, attributing its creation to the chatbot. Musk’s acknowledgment of lapses in safeguards and a commitment to rectify the issues underscored the seriousness of the situation.
In response to mounting criticism, the platform announced plans to introduce a paid service for creating deepfakes via Grok. However, this move was met with disapproval from government officials and advocacy groups, who viewed it as an unethical monetization of abuse.
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