UK Data Watchdog Probes X Over AI-Generated Abusive Images
Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has asked Elon Musk’s social media platform X to explain how it complies with UK data protection laws after reports that its built-in artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, has been generating and circulating sexually abusive images of women. The move adds to growing international pressure on X and its AI subsidiary, xAI, over the spread of non-consensual deepfake content.
ICO Seeks Clarity on Data Safeguards
“We have contacted X and xAI to seek clarity on the measures they have in place to comply with UK data protection law and protect individuals’ rights,” the ICO said in a statement on Wednesday. The regulator acknowledged recent reports highlighting “serious concerns” about Grok’s output and its potential misuse in generating explicit or degrading imagery.
The inquiry follows a wave of online outrage after Grok appeared to respond to user requests by creating hyper-realistic and sexually explicit images of women. Many of these visuals portrayed real individuals in revealing clothing, sparking calls for urgent regulatory action.
U.S. Authorities Raise Alarm
Across the Atlantic, New Mexico’s Attorney General, Raul Torrez, accused Grok of being among several AI tools “which lack basic safeguards to ensure that their users do not violate the dignity and privacy rights of others, especially children.” Torrez said he was “extremely concerned” about the nature of the images and vowed to “aggressively police this space.”
The remarks underscore mounting fears among U.S. officials about the rapid spread of AI-generated sexual content. However, xAI did not respond to messages seeking comment on either the ICO’s inquiry or Torrez’s accusations.
Global Condemnation of AI Abuse
Since Grok’s integration on X, the platform has been inundated with hyper-realistic and degrading depictions of women. European officials have expressed particular outrage, with Germany’s media minister describing the situation as “the industrialisation of sexual harassment.”
While condemnation has been swift across Europe, reactions in the United States have been more restrained. Federal agencies contacted by Reuters either declined to comment or did not respond.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also issued a warning on Tuesday, reminding technology companies that they “have a responsibility to prevent their tools from being used to sexualise or exploit children.” The organisation did not specifically mention Grok, X, or Musk in its statement.
with inputs from Reuters
