Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has urged Elon Musk’s X platform to promptly address concerns regarding its artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. The chatbot is reportedly being used to generate non-consensual sexualized images of women and girls.
Multiple examples have been observed on X, where users prompt the bot to digitally undress individuals or place them in sexual scenarios without their consent.
Kendall described the situation as “absolutely appalling,” emphasizing that “the proliferation of these degrading images cannot and will not be permitted.”
In response, X stated: “Action is taken against illegal content on X, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), through removal, permanent account suspension, and cooperation with local governments and law enforcement as necessary.” The statement further clarified, “Anyone using or prompting Grok to create illegal content will face the same consequences as if they uploaded illegal content.”
Earlier, the regulator Ofcom announced it had initiated “urgent contact” with Elon Musk’s company xAI and was investigating reports that Grok has been producing “undressed images” of people.
Kendall expressed support for Ofcom’s actions, stating, “It is entirely appropriate that Ofcom is investigating this matter with urgency, and the regulator has full backing to implement any necessary enforcement action.”
‘Dehumanising’ images
Grok functions as a free AI assistant, offering some premium features, and responds to X users’ prompts when tagged in a post.
It is frequently utilized to provide reactions or additional context to other users’ remarks.
However, X users can also employ its AI image editing feature to modify an uploaded image without the consent of the person depicted.
Women who have encountered sexualized images of themselves created by Grok have described the experience as dehumanizing.
Dr. Daisy Dixon is among numerous female X users who recently discovered people using her everyday pictures posted on the platform to ask Grok to undress or sexualize her.
She reported feeling “shocked,” “humiliated,” and concerned for her safety due to these images.
While supporting the call for action from the technology secretary, which she found “heartening,” Dr. Dixon expressed frustration with X’s perceived lack of accountability.
“Many women on X, including myself, continue to report inappropriate AI images/videos received daily, yet X consistently responds that no violation of X rules has occurred,” she stated.
“There is hope that Kendall’s words will soon translate into concrete enforcement. The fear of what might be seen makes opening the X app difficult.”
In her statement, Kendall affirmed: “Service providers and operators have a clear obligation to act appropriately. This is not about restricting freedom of speech but upholding the law.”
“Intimate image abuse and cyberflashing, including AI-generated images, have been designated priority offenses under the Online Safety Act. This mandates platforms to prevent such content from appearing online and to promptly remove it if it does.”
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, urged swift government action to halt the generation of sexualized images by Grok, suggesting that “reducing access” to X could be a course of action.
“If the reports prove true, the National Crime Agency should launch a criminal investigation,” Sir Ed commented.
“Individuals like Elon Musk must be held accountable.”
Thomas Regnier, spokesman for tech sovereignty at the European Commission, indicated that the issue is being taken “very seriously.”
“Such content is not desired in the European Union; it is appalling and disgusting,” he stated.
“The era of the ‘Wild West’ is over in Europe. All companies are obligated to manage their platforms responsibly, beginning with the removal of illegal content generated by their AI tools.”
