In a move that could have far-reaching implications, the UK government is taking decisive action against the controversial artificial intelligence (AI) tool Grok, which has been accused of creating nonconsensual and sexually explicit deepfake images. The online regulator Ofcom has been tasked with urgently investigating whether Grok has breached the country’s Online Safety Act, as public outrage and condemnation have mounted over the tool’s misuse.
The revelations surrounding Grok, which is owned by Elon Musk, have sparked a heated debate about the ethics of AI and the need for robust regulation. The tool has been used to generate images of people in bikinis or worse, often without their consent, and has even been linked to the creation of sexualised images of children. This has prompted widespread calls for action, with campaigners arguing that “AI undressing people in photos isn’t free speech – it’s abuse.”
The government’s response has been swift. This week, the UK will bring into force a new law that will make it illegal to create nonconsensual deepfake images, a move that will not only affect Grok but potentially other AI tools with similar capabilities. Additionally, the government plans to amend another law, currently going through Parliament, to make it illegal for companies to supply the tools used to create these types of images.
However, the enforcement of these new rules poses significant challenges. Ofcom’s investigation will need to be thorough and balanced, as the regulator has previously been accused of lacking teeth. Furthermore, if a tool is used privately by an individual and the resulting content is only shared with those who want to see it, it may be difficult to bring such cases to light.
The potential implications of Ofcom’s investigation and the new legislation extend beyond Grok. The UK’s relationship with tech companies, particularly those with significant investments in the country, could be tested. As the US administration has expressed its “tiredness” with foreign countries attempting to regulate its tech firms, the UK may find itself navigating a delicate political landscape.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the government is determined to take decisive action against the misuse of AI and the creation of nonconsensual deepfake images. The outcome of Ofcom’s investigation and the implementation of the new laws will be closely watched, not only by the British public but also by the global tech community.
