Musk says X outcry is 'excuse for censorship' (www.bbc.co.uk)

Elon Musk defended his social media platform X amid controversy over its AI chatbot Grok, which reportedly generated non-consensual sexualized images, including of children. Musk argued that critics are seeking to use the situation as a "pretext for censorship." In response, UK regulator Ofcom has launched an urgent assessment of X, supported by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, who denounced the creation of such content as "despicable and abhorrent." X has since restricted its AI image functions to paying subscribers, a move criticized by some politicians as insufficient in addressing the serious nature of the allegations. The implications of this incident are significant for the AI/ML community, particularly concerning ethical considerations in AI deployment. The concerns raised about Grok highlight the urgent need for robust safeguards against the misuse of generative AI technologies. The situation not only triggers discussions about accountability for AI-driven content but also emphasizes the role of regulatory bodies, like Ofcom, in overseeing online safety measures. As Ofcom strengthens its oversight, the potential for legal action against X under the UK’s Online Safety Act could set critical precedents regarding AI regulation and the protection of vulnerable individuals from abuse.