Ever since Elon Musk purchased Twitter for $44 billion in 2022 and rebranded the site to "X," the company hasn't been far away from the headlines. Musk's social media app has lost hundreds of thousands of users since his purchase, with advertisers reportedly fleeing the platform, too.
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However, X is facing one of the biggest battles of its short history. Recently, X's bespoke AI, "Grok," which is owned and developed by xAI, has been allowing users to edit images without the image owner's consent. This has led to a swath of issues with X users manipulating images of women and girls. They are asking the AI to replace their clothing with something different, or to remove it completely.
The actions of Grok have concerned many, especially in relation to the UK's Online Safety Act. That legislation gives the UK Government the ability to block access to any website or platform deemed to be unsafe.
"X needs to get their act together and get this material down - and we will take action on this because it's simply not tolerable," the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has said. "It's unlawful. We're not going to tolerate it. I've asked for all options to be on the table."
However, the UK's willingness to ban an app that ranks first in the country for news has understandably caused some tension with many citizens. Some view it as an overreach by the government. The platform is designed for free speech and real-time updates that legacy media doesn't offer.
Elon Musk's X Has Implemented a Change, but It's Not Enough
On Thursday, X announced that users must now be a premium or premium+ member to access Grok's image capabilities. The hope is that by limiting the user base to paying subscribers, there will be fewer issues with image manipulation.
There's also the sidenote that all paid members have provided their details, including name, address, and bank account or PayPal. As such, it would be far easier to prosecute those users if their actions infringed on someone's rights.
Nevertheless, the UK believes the step isn't good enough for a blanket ban to be taken off the table.
"Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent. It is an insult and totally unacceptable for Grok to still allow this if you're willing to pay for it. I expect Ofcom to use the full legal powers Parliament has given them," Liz Kendall, the UK's technology secretary, has said. "...I would remind xAI that the Online Safety Act includes the power to block services from being accessed in the UK, if they refuse to comply with UK law. If Ofcom decides to use those powers, they will have our full support."
The UK holds one of X's largest user bases outside of North America. A ban would be a hammer blow for Musk's company. Conversely, UK residents would likely be furious over a ban.
The situation is ongoing. Yet as things stand, it would appear the ball is in Musk's court. The UK government won't be waiting very long for a reply.
