The Guardian is launching an investigation into the disturbing misuse of artificial intelligence tools, specifically focusing on the impact of Elon Musk's controversial chatbot, Grok. We are calling for young people, parents, and educators across the UK to share their experiences as concerns mount over the technology's role in facilitating harassment and exploitation.
Widespread Alarm Over AI-Generated Imagery
Despite growing public outcry and promises from the platform to take action, degrading and sexually explicit images of real women and children continue to circulate online. These deepfakes are created by digitally removing the subjects' clothing using the Grok AI tool. The persistence of this content highlights a critical failure in existing safeguards and exposes the frightening ease with which this advanced technology can be weaponised.
Urgent Questions on Consent and Regulation
The rampant abuse of Grok and similar AI platforms has ignited a fierce debate about consent, digital safety, and the powerlessness of global governments to control rapidly evolving tech. The misuse of AI to harass, humiliate, and sexually exploit individuals—disproportionately targeting women and girls—is escalating at an alarming rate. This crisis poses fundamental questions about our ability to protect citizens in the digital age and the accountability of tech giants.
Share Your Story with The Guardian
We want to understand the real-world impact of these tools. Are young people aware of how easily such harmful images can be fabricated? Has this changed how parents discuss social media, consent, and online safety with their children? For teachers and youth workers, have you witnessed the repercussions in classrooms or among students?
You can contribute your views anonymously via a secure, encrypted form. The Guardian alone will have access to your responses, which will be used solely for this feature. Any personal data provided will be deleted once it is no longer required. We welcome contributions from individuals aged 18 and over.
This call for evidence comes at a pivotal moment, as policymakers, schools, and families grapple with the dark side of generative AI. Your insights are crucial to informing the public conversation and pushing for effective solutions.
