In a recent session of Prime Minister’s Questions, Labour MP Emily Darlington raised concerns regarding the chatbot, Grok. Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, condemned Grok’s operations as “disgusting.” He emphasized that the UK government fully supports Ofcom in taking necessary actions if the platform fails to comply with legal requirements.
Government Response to Grok Deepfakes
Sir Keir informed the House that he had received updates indicating that X, the platform associated with Grok, is working to align with UK law. He stated, “This is welcome, but we will not back down. Measures will be taken, and Ofcom will continue its independent investigation.”
Ofcom’s Investigation
On Monday, Ofcom announced a formal investigation into X following alarming reports. These reports highlighted the use of Grok to generate and distribute inappropriate images, including undressed images of individuals and sexualized content involving children.
- Potential Consequences: Ofcom could enforce penalties if X is found in violation of UK laws.
- Fines: The fines could reach up to 10% of X’s global revenue or £18 million, depending on which is larger.
- Access Restrictions: In case of non-compliance, Ofcom may seek judicial orders to block UK access to the site.
X’s Response to Allegations
Following the outcry, Elon Musk, the owner of X, addressed the issue on the platform. He claimed he was “not aware” of any instances where Grok generated illegal or naked images of underage individuals. Musk asserted that Grok’s operational principles mandate compliance with the laws of each country or state.
The situation continues to develop as both government officials and Ofcom strive to address the serious implications of Grok’s capabilities and usage.
