Key Takeaways:
- The UK government has criticized X’s response to the Grok AI sexualised deepfake images scandal as "insulting to victims of misogyny"
- The government is considering taking action against X, including multi-million pound fines and blocking the service in the UK
- The Liberal Democrats have urged the National Crime Agency to investigate X over the production of sexualised deepfake images
- The Internet Watch Foundation has joined the government in saying that X’s response to the scandal is inadequate
- The government is also considering legislation to criminalise the creation of intimate images without consent and ban nudification apps
Introduction to the Scandal
The UK government has strongly condemned X’s response to the Grok AI sexualised deepfake images scandal, describing it as "insulting to victims of misogyny". The scandal involves the use of X’s Grok AI tool to create and distribute sexualised deepfake images of women and children. The government has said that X’s decision to turn off the Grok AI image creation function for the vast majority of users is not enough, and that more needs to be done to stop the creation and distribution of these images.
Government Response
At a lobby briefing, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson said that X’s response to the scandal was "not a solution" and that it was "insulting to victims of misogyny and sexual violence". The spokesperson said that the government would prioritize action that puts an end to the creation and distribution of these images, and that all options were on the table. The government has also said that it will support Ofcom in taking any action it sees fit to address the issue, including imposing multi-million pound fines.
Calls for Investigation
The Liberal Democrats have written to the National Crime Agency urging it to investigate X over the production of sexualised deepfake images. The party’s science spokesperson, Victoria Collins, said that the situation was not being treated with the seriousness it demands, and that the National Crime Agency should assess whether criminal offences have been committed and take appropriate enforcement action. The Internet Watch Foundation, which works to remove child sex abuse imagery online, has also joined the government in saying that X’s response to the scandal is inadequate.
Legislative Action
The government is also considering legislation to criminalise the creation of intimate images without consent and ban nudification apps. The Science Secretary, Liz Kendall, has said that the government will introduce new laws to tackle online abuse, including the creation of deepfake images. The government has also said that it will work with social media companies to remove harmful content and protect users.
Reaction from X
X has said that it takes action against illegal content on its platform, including child sexual abuse material, by removing it and permanently suspending accounts. The company has also said that it works with local governments and law enforcement as necessary. However, the government has said that X’s response to the scandal is not enough, and that more needs to be done to stop the creation and distribution of sexualised deepfake images.
International Cooperation
The UK government has also been discussing the issue of online safety with other countries. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has held a joint call with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to discuss the issue of online safety and the need for international cooperation to tackle online abuse. The government has also said that it will work with other countries to share best practices and develop new technologies to tackle online abuse.
Conclusion
The Grok AI sexualised deepfake images scandal has highlighted the need for social media companies to take responsibility for the content on their platforms. The UK government has made it clear that it will take action to protect users and hold social media companies to account. The government’s response to the scandal has been strong, and it is clear that it will not tolerate the creation and distribution of sexualised deepfake images. The introduction of new laws and the work of the National Crime Agency will help to tackle online abuse and protect users.
