Belfast City Council plans to suspend its use of the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, due to concerns surrounding its AI tool Grok, which has been linked to creating non-consensual sexualized deepfake images. The decision, made by the council’s strategic committee, requires ratification at a full meeting on February 2. Several Northern Ireland Executive departments are also reviewing their subscriptions to X, as the UK regulator Ofcom investigates the platform. Despite the concerns, seven out of nine Stormont departments maintain X subscriptions for enhanced features. The motion to suspend X use, driven by Green Party leader Brian Smyth, passed with a vote of 15 to 4, with the DUP opposing it, arguing it limits community engagement. SDLP assembly member Cara Hunter praised the council’s decision, highlighting the broader need for scrutiny of AI and social media practices. X announced implementing measures to restrict Grok’s capability to edit sensitive images in jurisdictions where it’s illegal.
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