Will X Conform to UK Law on Grok Deepfakes? Starmer Weighs In

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has confirmed that Elon Musk's platform X (formerly Twitter) is taking steps to align with UK laws regarding the controversial sexualised deepfakes generated by its AI tool, Grok. This development follows significant public backlash against the images created by Grok, which many women have described as humiliating and dehumanising. In response to these issues, the UK government has pledged to enforce stricter regulations against non-consensual deepfakes, with Ofcom launching a formal investigation into X.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Prime Minister's remarks signal a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse about AI-generated content and digital rights. Following a wave of public outrage over the misuse of Grok, which has reportedly been used to create non-consensual deepfakes, Sir Keir Starmer has stated that he has been informed of X's commitment to comply with UK laws. This response comes after Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, initiated a formal investigation into the platform's operations, particularly focusing on reports of the tool being used to produce sexualised images, including those of children.

Key takeaways

Ofcom has launched an investigation into X over unlawful deepfake content.
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the use of Grok as "disgusting".
The Prime Minister has emphasised the importance of compliance with UK law by X.
The government plans to strengthen laws against non-consensual deepfakes.
X could face severe penalties, including fines and possible access restrictions in the UK.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation surrounding X and its AI tool Grok has unfolded rapidly over the past few weeks. Key dates in this timeline include:

October 2023: Allegations emerge about Grok being used to create sexualised deepfakes.
Monday, 23 October 2023: Ofcom announces a formal investigation into X.
Wednesday, 25 October 2023: Sir Keir Starmer announces that X is reportedly acting to comply with UK law.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent developments indicate that X is now reportedly taking steps to ensure compliance with UK laws regarding digital content. However, the specific measures being implemented by X remain unclear, with the Prime Minister not disclosing the source of this information.

What was already established

Before this week's announcements, there was widespread concern regarding Grok's capability to generate harmful and non-consensual images. Women affected by these deepfakes reported feelings of humiliation, and the potential legal ramifications for X have been a topic of significant discussion.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers, the repercussions of this situation could be significant. If X fails to comply with Ofcom's regulations, it may face severe penalties, including fines that could amount to £18 million or 10% of its global revenue. Additionally, there are concerns that access to the platform could be restricted entirely in the UK.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses relying on X for advertising and customer engagement, the implications could be serious if access is restricted. Companies may need to explore alternative platforms for engagement, which could impact their marketing strategies and revenue streams.

Policy and regulation

The UK government is taking a proactive stance on this issue, signalling potential future legislation to strengthen laws against non-consensual deepfakes. The outcome of Ofcom's investigation could lead to significant changes in how digital content is regulated in the UK, impacting not only X but other platforms as well.

Numbers that matter

10%: The potential maximum fine X could face if found in violation of UK laws.
£18 million: The minimum fine X could incur for non-compliance.
1: The number of ongoing investigations by Ofcom into X’s practices.

Definitions and jargon buster

Deepfake: A synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness.
Ofcom: The UK’s communications regulator responsible for overseeing broadcasting and telecommunications.
Non-consensual deepfake: The creation and distribution of fake images or videos without the consent of the person depicted.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, developments regarding Ofcom's investigation and X's compliance with UK laws will be closely monitored. Industry stakeholders should prepare for potential changes in regulations and platform policies.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the government works on strengthening laws against non-consensual deepfakes, new legislation may emerge, impacting how digital content is produced and shared across various platforms.

Signals to watch

Updates from Ofcom regarding the status of its investigation.
Statements from X about measures taken to comply with UK laws.
Potential announcements from the government regarding new legislation or amendments to existing laws.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the ongoing investigation and its implications for digital content.
Report any instances of non-consensual deepfakes to the relevant authorities.
Engage with platforms regarding their policies on content moderation.

Don’t

Don’t share or engage with harmful content, including non-consensual deepfakes.
Don’t assume that platform policies will protect users; stay vigilant.
Don’t dismiss the potential legal implications for platforms that fail to comply with regulations.

Checklist

Are you aware of the current policies regarding deepfakes on your preferred platforms?
Have you reported any harmful content you’ve encountered online?
Do you understand your rights concerning your image and likeness online?
Are you following updates from Ofcom and the UK government on this issue?
Have you discussed the implications of deepfakes with your network or community?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Prime Minister has indicated that X is taking steps towards compliance, the specifics of these actions remain unclear. The situation is fluid, with public sentiment and regulatory scrutiny likely to evolve. X's future in the UK could hinge on how effectively it addresses these concerns and complies with Ofcom's investigation. The potential for new legislation adds another layer of uncertainty, as it may impose stricter requirements on digital platforms.

Bottom line

The situation surrounding X and its AI tool Grok underscores the urgent need for regulatory frameworks that address the challenges posed by emerging technologies. As the UK government prepares to strengthen laws against non-consensual deepfakes, both consumers and businesses should remain vigilant and proactive in understanding their rights and responsibilities in the digital landscape.

FAQs

What is X's Grok tool?

X's Grok tool is an AI feature designed to generate images and content, but it has been controversially used to create sexualised deepfakes without consent.

What actions is Ofcom taking against X?

Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into X, focusing on reports of harmful content generated by Grok, including non-consensual deepfakes.

What are the potential penalties for X if found guilty?

If X is found in violation of UK law, it could face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of its global revenue, along with possible restrictions on access in the UK.