The United Kingdom is considering stringent measures, including a potential ban, against the social media platform X due to concerns over its AI chatbot, Grok. The move comes in response to the proliferation of AI-generated images, particularly deepfakes, that target public figures.
Sources indicate that the possible actions fall under the purview of the Online Safety Act and could involve substantial fines amounting to billions of pounds or even the complete blocking of access to the platform within the UK.
The core of the issue revolves around the images produced by Grok at the request of users. These images, often referred to as deepfakes, have reportedly depicted prominent individuals, including Catherine, Princess of Wales, celebrities, cabinet members, and members of parliament. The UK government fears the misuse of this technology could lead to misinformation and harm to individuals’ reputations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the issue in a recent radio interview, stating that he has instructed Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, to explore all available options to address the problem. “X needs to get a grip. Ofcom has our full support to take action. This is wrong. It’s unlawful. And we won’t tolerate it,” Starmer declared.
Ofcom is now actively investigating the matter and assessing the potential risks posed by AI-generated content on X. The regulator is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the government in the coming weeks. The government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring online safety and holding social media platforms accountable for the content they host. The potential ban of X underscores the seriousness with which the UK is addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
