Key Takeaways
- The Canada privacy commissioner is investigating X Corp. and xAI, the company responsible for the chatbot Grok, over concerns about the creation of explicit images without consent.
- The investigation follows reports of a trend on X where users prompted Grok to alter images of people to put them in revealing clothing.
- California’s attorney general has also announced an investigation into alleged nonconsensual sexually explicit material on X.
- Grok’s ability to edit images to put people in revealing clothing has been blocked, and image edit requests are now restricted to paid users.
- Elon Musk, the owner of X, claims that Grok follows local laws and will refuse to produce anything illegal.
Introduction to the Investigation
The Canada privacy commissioner, Philippe Dufresne, has expanded his investigation into X Corp. following reports that the chatbot Grok is being used to create explicit images of people without their consent. This move comes after an apparent trend on X where a wave of users prompted the on-board AI, Grok, to alter images of people to put them in revealing clothing. The commissioner’s decision to investigate highlights the growing concern about the use of personal information without consent to create deepfakes, including intimate images, which poses serious risks to individuals’ fundamental right to privacy.
The Role of xAI and Grok
xAI, the company responsible for Grok, is also under investigation. The chatbot has been used to create nonconsensual intimate images, which have been used to harass women and girls across the internet. The volume of reports detailing non-consensual, sexually explicit material has been classified as "shocking" and has prompted California’s attorney general to announce an investigation into alleged nonconsensual sexually explicit material on X. The use of Grok to create explicit images without consent raises serious concerns about the potential harm that it may cause to Canadians and individuals around the world.
Measures Taken to Prevent the Creation of Explicit Images
In response to the concerns raised, X has taken measures to prevent the creation of explicit images without consent. The company has blocked Grok’s ability to edit images to put people in revealing clothing, such as bikinis. Additionally, image edit requests are now restricted to paid users. These measures aim to prevent the misuse of Grok and to protect individuals from having their personal information used without consent. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be effective in preventing the creation of explicit images without consent.
Elon Musk’s Response
Elon Musk, the owner of X, has responded to the concerns raised about Grok’s ability to create explicit images without consent. He claims that Grok follows local laws and will refuse to produce anything illegal. Musk also stated that he was unaware of any naked underage images generated by Grok, and that the bot’s operating principle is to follow the laws of any given country or state. However, the fact that Grok was able to create explicit images without consent in the first place raises questions about the effectiveness of the bot’s operating principle and the measures in place to prevent the misuse of the technology.
Conclusion and Future Developments
The investigation into X Corp. and xAI highlights the need for greater scrutiny of the use of AI technology and its potential impact on individuals’ privacy. The creation of explicit images without consent is a serious concern that requires immediate attention and action. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge about the measures being taken to prevent the creation of explicit images without consent. It is also likely that there will be calls for greater regulation of AI technology and the companies that develop and use it. Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that AI technology is used in a way that respects individuals’ privacy and prevents harm.
