The online network X has caused significant outrage after individuals used its AI chatbot Grok to alter pictures of females by taking off their clothing.
Numerous examples have been seen where the system has been used to virtually strip female subjects to show them in bikinis without permission, as well as to put them in sexualized situations.
Developer Response and Regulatory Stance
XAI, the company responsible for Grok, offered no comment to inquiries, other than an standard response stating "traditional news outlets lies".
A government representative stated that new laws is being proposed to prohibit nudification technology. Under a new law, anyone who distributed such tools would "receive a prison sentence and substantial penalties".
"X or Grok has the ability to stop these forms of abuse if they desired to," said Clare McGlynn, adding they "seem to have impunity."
Regulator Stance and Tool Functionality
The regulator Ofcom said technology companies must "consider the danger" of people viewing unlawful material on their services, but stopped short of confirming whether it was at this time examining X or Grok in regarding artificial intelligence pictures.
Grok is a no-cost artificial intelligence—with some additional functions—which answers X users' queries when they mention it in a message.
It is commonly used to provide commentary or more context to other posters' comments, but people on X are also can modify an posted photo through its AI image editing feature.
History of Controversy and Policy
The system has been criticised for enabling users to create pictures and videos with nudity and sexually suggestive material, and it was earlier alleged to have been involved in generating inappropriate material of public figures.
"The platform has been allowing the generation and distribution of these pictures for a long time without taking any action and we have not seen any action by oversight bodies," Professor McGlynn added.
XAI's own acceptable use policy bans "showing likenesses of individuals in a sexually explicit way".
In a comment, Ofcom said it was unlawful to "make or share private pictures or illegal content" and confirmed this applied to sexual deepfakes created with AI.
It said services such as X were mandated to take "necessary steps" to "minimize the risk" of users viewing illegal material on their platforms and to remove it promptly when they learn of it.
