UK Moves to Criminalize Deepfake Nudes After Viral AI Scandal
▼ Summary
– The UK is making the creation of nonconsensual intimate deepfake images a criminal offense under the Data Act, effective this week.
– This offense will also be designated a priority under the Online Safety Act, requiring platforms to proactively prevent such content.
– UK regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into X (formerly Twitter) over deepfakes generated by its Grok AI chatbot.
– If found in violation, X could face substantial fines and be required to take specific compliance actions.
– While X has stated it acts against illegal content and limited some Grok features, free methods to create problematic images reportedly still exist.
The United Kingdom has enacted a new law criminalizing the creation of nonconsensual intimate deepfake images, a move accelerated by a recent viral scandal involving AI-generated nude photos. This legislation, part of the Data Act passed last year, makes it a specific criminal offence to produce or commission such deceptive imagery. The government is also classifying this act as a priority offence under the Online Safety Act, compelling online platforms to take proactive measures to prevent this content from appearing.
Liz Kendall, the UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, confirmed the law is now in force. She emphasized that services must act to stop this content before it spreads. The announcement follows intense public concern over deepfake nudes generated using the Grok AI chatbot on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
In a related development, the UK communications regulator Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into X regarding these Grok-generated deepfakes. If found in violation of the Online Safety Act, X could face substantial penalties. Fines could reach up to £18 million or 10% of the company’s qualifying global revenue, whichever figure is higher. Kendall stated the government expects Ofcom to outline a clear investigation timeline promptly, noting that victims and the public demand swift action.
X has stated it takes action against illegal content, including permanently suspending accounts and cooperating with authorities. The company warned that anyone using Grok to create illegal material will face the same consequences as if they uploaded it directly. Recently, X adjusted Grok’s functionality, restricting the public ability to tag the chatbot in replies to generate images to paying subscribers only.
However, investigations have shown that free methods to use Grok for creating and editing images, including sexualized content, reportedly remain accessible. The new UK law aims to close legal gaps and provide stronger protections against this form of digital abuse, putting legal responsibility on both creators and the platforms that host such material.
(Source: The Verge)
