Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has declared she will not rest until all social media platforms fully comply with UK law, as she welcomed new restrictions imposed on X's artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok.
Outcry Leads to Swift Action on AI Tool
The move by X, formerly known as Twitter, follows a significant public and political outcry over reports that users of the Grok AI were manipulating images of women and children to sexualise them. In response, the company announced on Wednesday night that it would prevent Grok from "editing images of people in revealing clothes" and block the generation of similar images of real people in jurisdictions where such actions are illegal.
Ms Kendall stated that the UK's Online Safety Act provided the necessary tools to hold the platform to account. "Our Online Safety Act is and always has been about keeping people safe on social media – especially children – and it has given us the tools to hold X to account in recent days," she said. The minister also extended her thanks to victims and those who spoke out against the abuse.
Ofcom Investigation Continues Despite New Safeguards
While welcoming X's new geoblocking measures, the media regulator Ofcom confirmed that its investigation, launched on Monday, will continue. The watchdog stated it is still seeking "answers into what went wrong and what's being done to fix it." The restrictions introduced by X involve geoblocking the ability for all users to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire in countries where it is unlawful.
However, this technical solution, which applies to both free and paid subscribers, can potentially be circumvented using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). X stated the change adds an extra layer of protection to help ensure individuals who attempt to abuse Grok can be held accountable.
Government and Campaigners Demand Proactive Measures
The issue has drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum. A Downing Street source described the restrictions as "a vindication for Keir Starmer," after the Labour leader labelled the AI's manipulation of images as "disgusting" and "shameful" on Wednesday.
Campaigners have urged the government to go further. Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said X's response demonstrated how pressure from victims, campaigners, and governments can force tech platforms to act. She called for more proactive government measures, arguing that social media companies cannot be "left to regulate themselves." "The cost of inaction is too great," she warned, "with countless women and girls harmed before Grok’s image generation tools were disabled."
Ms Kendall did not specify which other social media companies she believes may be failing in their legal duties, but reiterated her unwavering stance: "I shall not rest until all social media platforms meet their legal duties and provide a service that is safe and age-appropriate to all users."
