Police have been called upon to investigate Elon Musk and X following a surge in sexualized deepfakes on the social media platform.
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has advocated for a criminal inquiry into the matter. During a recent press conference, he expressed the need for a thorough investigation into Elon Musk and his platform, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The UK’s Online Safety Act empowers Ofcom to penalize, disrupt, or shut down access to social media platforms that do not adhere to strict regulations, particularly those concerning the protection of minors online. Ofcom is currently conducting an investigation into the issue.
In the midst of these developments, Sir Ed hinted at the possibility of leaving X, noting the party’s firm stance against Mr. Musk. He emphasized the importance of a strong Liberal voice within the platform but acknowledged the delicate balance in making a decision.
Sir Ed also stressed the party’s call for the suspension of X while Ofcom carries out its investigation. He highlighted the need for decisive action, stating that access to the platform should be restricted during such a critical inquiry.
Ofcom recently initiated a formal investigation into X to ascertain compliance with legal obligations under the Online Safety Act. The regulatory body has the authority to impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue on X, formerly known as Twitter, for any violations found.
Meanwhile, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall condemned the AI chatbot Grok on X, labeling the images it generates as “weapons of abuse.” She announced the imminent enforcement of a law criminalizing the creation or distribution of non-consensual intimate images.
Ms. Kendall further revealed plans to outlaw apps facilitating the creation of fake nude images under the Crime and Policing Bill, aimed at eliminating the root cause of such harmful content.
Describing the distressing impact of non-consensual images, Ms. Kendall emphasized the need for swift action to address the issue and protect individuals’ dignity, particularly women and girls who are disproportionately targeted by such abusive content.
In response to mounting concerns, Ofcom has reached out to Musk’s X and xAI regarding potential breaches related to sexually explicit content generated by the AI tool, Grok. The regulatory body affirmed its commitment to investigating any lapses in safeguarding measures, particularly those endangering minors.
Notably, X announced a controversial move to offer deepfake creation as a premium service requiring payment. This decision has faced criticism from various quarters, with critics denouncing it as a disregard for victims of abuse and an attempt to profit from harmful practices.