The online network X has sparked major backlash after individuals used its AI chatbot Grok to alter images of females by stripping their garments.
Several instances have been seen where the tool has been employed to remove clothing from female subjects to show them in swimwear without consent, as well as to insert them in sexualized scenarios.
Developer Response and Legal Position
XAI, the firm responsible for Grok, did not respond to questions, other than an standard message stating "legacy media lies".
A Home Office official stated that legislation is being brought forward to outlaw image stripping software. Under a upcoming criminal offence, anyone who provided such tools would "receive a prison sentence and significant penalties".
"The platform could prevent these types of misuse if they wanted to," said a law professor, adding they "operate with a lack of consequences."
Oversight Body Position and Tool Capabilities
The regulator Ofcom said tech firms must "evaluate the risk" of people viewing illegal content on their services, but did not confirm whether it was at this time looking into X or Grok in relation to artificial intelligence images.
Grok is a free AI assistant—with some paid-for functions—which responds to X users' requests when they reference it in a tweet.
It is commonly used to give reactions or further background to other users' remarks, but people on X are also capable of modify an posted photo through its AI image editing tool.
History of Criticism and Rules
The system has been criticised for allowing users to generate photos and footage with explicit content and sexually suggestive material, and it was previously accused of creating graphic material of public figures.
"X has been allowing the generation and spread of these pictures for a long time without taking any action and we have yet to see any challenge by oversight bodies," the expert added.
XAI's own acceptable use policy bans "showing images of people in a pornographic manner".
In a statement, Ofcom said it was unlawful to "generate or circulate non-consensual intimate images or illegal content" and stated this included sexual deepfakes made with AI.
It said networks such as X were mandated to take "suitable measures" to "reduce the risk" of users coming across unlawful material on their platforms and to delete it quickly when they learn of it.
