The UK regulator, Ofcom, is investigating Elon Musk’s X platform regarding its Grok AI tool, which has reportedly generated sexualized images of women and children, raising serious concerns about intimate image abuse and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This inquiry falls under the UK’s Online Safety Act, designed to hold tech giants accountable for illegal content. Potential consequences for X could include fines of up to £18M ($24.2M) or 10% of global revenue, with the possibility of being banned in the UK for repeated non-compliance. High-profile criticisms have emerged, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described Musk’s restrictions on Grok as “insulting” to victims. X asserts it actively removes illegal content and cooperates with authorities. Despite this backlash, parent company xAI recently announced a $20 billion funding round, demonstrating ongoing investor interest despite regulatory scrutiny. This situation highlights the pressing challenges of online safety and tech accountability in the digital age.
Source link
