Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has announced that a law criminalising the creation of nonconsensual, intimate images will come into force this week, amid growing outrage over AI-powered 'undressing' tools. The move follows revelations that X's Grok AI allowed users to generate sexualised deepfakes of women and children.
Speaking in the Commons, Kendall said X's decision to restrict Grok to subscribers 'does not go anywhere near far enough'. She confirmed that the government will also legislate to ban the supply of 'nudification' apps, which use artificial intelligence to digitally remove clothing from images.
The new offence, created under the Data Act passed last year, makes it a criminal offence to create or request the creation of nonconsensual intimate images. Kendall added that she will make it a priority offence under the Online Safety Act, requiring platforms to take proactive action to prevent such content.
Under the Online Safety Act, sharing intimate images without consent – including images of people in their underwear – is already a criminal offence for individuals and platforms. The new measure extends liability to those who create or seek to create such content, including on X.
Kendall urged cross-party support, comparing the approach to the US Take it Down Act signed by President Trump. She emphasised that the government is 'upholding British values', not threatening free speech, and warned that platforms failing to comply could face bans as a last resort.
