Elon Musk has said critics of his social media site X are looking for any excuse for censorship, after its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok drew criticism over its use to create sexualised images of people without their knowledge or consent.
Ofcom says it is conducting an urgent assessment of X in response, with the backing of Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
However, the chairwomen of Parliament's technology and media committees have both expressed concern that gaps in the Online Safety Act might hinder the media regulator's ability to address the issue effectively.
X has since limited the use of the AI image function to paying subscribers, a change described by Downing Street as insulting to victims of sexual violence.
The BBC has reported examples of the AI tool creating non-consensual sexualised images, prompting Kendall to expect an update from Ofcom shortly, and indicating government support for any decision to block X in the UK.
Musk responded by sharing messages critical of the government's stance on Grok, asserting, They just want to suppress free speech.
Ashley St Clair, mother of one of Musk's children, revealed that Grok had produced sexualized images of her as a child without her consent, highlighting the serious implications of the technology.
As of recent updates, Grok informs users that image generation and editing features are limited to paying subscribers, prompting significant debate about the ethical responsibilities of AI platforms.
Regulatory discussions about the Online Safety Act's ability to manage such AI functions are ongoing, with lawmakers voicing concerns that existing legislation does not adequately cover all aspects of non-consensual content and AI misuse.
Musk’s controversial stance has drawn responses from various political figures worldwide, with condemnation of the AI's output emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory clarity and ethical guidelines.
