- Locai Labs CEO says all current AI models can create harmful images
- Locai Labs prohibits under 18s and image generation until the situation is “truly safe”
- The British regulator Ofcom is now launching an investigation into Grok Images
As the controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s Grok AI platform and its ability to create sexualized images of women and children continues, James Drayson, CEO of Locai Labs – the UK rival to ChatGPT – has stated that no AI image generator can ever be truly safe and has called on the industry to be honest about the dangers.
Speaking ahead of an appearance before MPs examining human rights and the regulation of artificial intelligence, Drayson called for action and challenged the government to support British innovation.
He said, “[The] the industry must wake up. It is impossible for any AI company to promise that their model cannot be tricked into creating harmful content, including explicit images. These systems are smart, but they are not foolproof. The public deserves honesty.”
In response to the current situation, Locai has refused to roll out image generation until it is “really safe”. It has also banned under-18s from accessing its AI chatbot and is calling for radical transparency across the industry.
It should be noted that the platform had not previously implemented image generation functions.
Grok ban has already started
Grok’s image editing feature, called Grok Images, allows users to upload photos and then use well-known tricks to get AI to remove clothes or put people in bikinis, including non-consensual edits of everyday people, public figures and children.
The situation has already led to Grok being banned in Indonesia and Malaysia, with a further ban now being considered by UK regulator Ofcom.
Ofcom has today launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s X. In a statement, the UK watchdog said there had been “deeply worrying reports” of the chatbot being used to create and share nude images of people, as well as “sexualised images of children.”
The UK’s technology secretary, Liz Kendall, has previously said she would back regulator Ofcom if it blocks UK access to X – formerly known as Twitter and now home to Grok – for failing to comply with online security laws.
Elon Musk responded to the threat from the British government on X by saying, “They want any excuse for censorship.”
In response to the controversy, the Grok Images feature has been restricted to paying subscribers only, a move that has not pleased the UK government. A Downing Street spokesman said: “The feed simply turns an AI feature that allows the creation of illegal images into a premium service.”
A tough regulation may come
The UK Parliament’s Human Rights Committee is currently investigating the risks and benefits of AI, how it may affect privacy and discrimination, and whether current UK laws and policies are sufficient or whether new legislation is needed to hold AI companies and developers accountable.
James Drayson added: “We believe the UK can lead the world in responsible, value-driven AI if we choose. That means tough regulation, open debate and a commitment to transparency. AI is here to stay. The challenge is to make it as safe, fair and trustworthy as possible, so that its rewards far outweigh its risks.”
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