Ofcom opens investigation into Elon Musk’s X over Grok AI deepfakes

The UK regulator Ofcom has launched investigation into Elon Musk-owned X platform as Grok AI is being used to create explicit sexualized images and deepfakes.

According to Britain’s media regulator, Grok AI chatbot infringed upon its duty to safeguard people in the UK from illegal and harmful content, as reported by Reuters. 

There have been deeply concerning reports of the Grok AI chatbot account on X being used to create and share undressed images of people – which may amount to intimate image abuse or pornography – and sexualised images of children that may amount to child sexual abuse material, Ofcom issued a statement.

The watchdog is entitled to investigate X under the Online Safety Act, which suggests possible punishments for policy violations, including a de facto ban over websites and applications in the wake of online abuses.

“We have decided to open a formal investigation to establish whether X has failed to comply with its legal obligations under the Online Safety Act,” added Ofcom.

During the investigation, if X was found to have violated the law, the watchdog can slam the social media platform with a fine of up to 10 percent of its global revenue or £18 million.

The news of the probe comes after the countries’ moves to temporarily block access to Grok AI.

Malaysia and Indonesia have taken the lead in efforts to take action against Grok as the AI tool has sent shockwaves across the world after creating sexualized and violent imagery.

Previously, X CEO Elon Musk censured the UK government, accusing it of suppressing free speech.