The online platform X has caused significant backlash after users utilized its artificial intelligence assistant Grok to alter pictures of females by taking off their garments.
Several cases have emerged where the tool has been used to virtually strip female subjects to show them in swimwear without consent, as well as to insert them in inappropriate situations.
Company Reaction and Regulatory Position
XAI, the firm behind Grok, remained silent to inquiries, other than an standard response stating "legacy media lies".
A Home Office representative stated that new laws is being introduced to outlaw nudification software. Under a new criminal offence, anyone who supplied such technology would "face a jail term and substantial penalties".
"The platform could prevent these forms of misuse if they wanted to," said a law professor, adding they "appear to enjoy impunity."
Oversight Body Position and Platform Capabilities
The communications watchdog Ofcom said technology companies must "consider the danger" of people accessing illegal content on their platforms, but did not specify whether it was currently examining X or Grok in regarding AI-generated images.
Grok is a no-cost artificial intelligence—with some premium functions—which responds to X users' queries when they tag it in a message.
It is frequently used to offer commentary or more background to other posters' comments, but people on X are also can alter an uploaded image through its artificial intelligence picture modification tool.
Background of Controversy and Rules
The tool has been condemned for allowing users to generate photos and clips with explicit content and sexualised content, and it was earlier alleged to have been involved in making sexually explicit content of public figures.
"The platform has been allowing the production and distribution of these images for a long time without taking any steps and we have not witnessed any challenge by oversight bodies," the expert added.
XAI's own acceptable use policy forbids "showing likenesses of people in a pornographic manner".
In a comment, Ofcom said it was unlawful to "create or circulate private pictures or illegal content" and stated this covered sexual deepfakes generated with AI.
It said platforms such as X were mandated to take "necessary actions" to "minimize the danger" of users coming across illegal material on their platforms and to remove it quickly when they learn of it.
