Data regulator investigating X over sexual images created by Grok chatbot
The data regulator has launched a formal investigation into X and xAI for their compliance with UK law after chatbot Grok was used to create sexual deepfakes without consent.
Ofcom launched an investigation into the platform and its chatbot a few weeks ago, and X said it has since taken measures to resolve the issues raised.
Elon Musk’s social media site and chatbot have come under increasing pressure over reports that sexualized images involving minors have been created.
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The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said the reports raised “serious concerns” under UK data protection laws, including “whether appropriate safeguards were taken in the design and distribution of Grok”.
William Malcolm, the ICO’s chief executive of regulatory risk and innovation, said: “The reports about Grok raise deeply troubling questions about how people’s personal data is being used to create intimate or sexualised images without their knowledge or consent, and whether appropriate safeguards are being taken to prevent this.
“Losing control of personal data in this way can cause immediate and serious harm. This is especially true where children are involved.”
He said the watchdog was working closely with Ofcom and international regulators.
“Our investigation will assess whether XIUC and X.AI complied with data protection law in the development and distribution of Grok services, including existing security measures to protect people’s data rights.
“In cases where we detect that obligations are not being fulfilled, we will take action to protect the public.”
Meanwhile, Ofcom said it was still gathering evidence for its own investigation into X, which could take months.
He stated that he was unable to investigate xAI, which provides the standalone Grok chatbot application, due to the way the Online Safety Act applies to chatbots.
In a statement, Ofcom said: “We continue to demand responses from xAI about the risks it poses.
“We are looking at whether to launch an investigation into whether services that publish pornographic material comply with rules that require them to use highly effective age checks to prevent children from accessing this content.”
Ofcom, meanwhile, added that X had taken steps to resolve the issue and that he should be given “full opportunity to make representations”.
On Tuesday, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced that searches were continuing at the company’s offices in France and announced that the company had left the platform.
“The conduct of the investigation at this stage is based on a constructive approach with the aim of ensuring that the X platform ultimately complies with French law since it operates on national territory,” the statement said.
