- Locai Labs CEO says all current AI models can create harmful images
- Locai Labs prohibits the generation of images for minors under 18 years of age until the situation is “really safe”
- British regulator Ofcom is launching an investigation into Grok Images
As controversy continues around Elon Musk’s Grok AI platform and its ability to create sexualized images of women and children, James Drayson, CEO of Locai Labs (ChatGPT’s British rival) has stated that no AI imager can be truly safe and has urged the industry to be honest about the dangers.
Speaking ahead of an appearance before MPs who will examine human rights and AI regulation, Drayson urged action and challenged the government to back British innovation.
He said: “[The] The industry needs to wake up. There’s no way any AI company can promise that its model can’t be tricked into creating harmful content, including explicit images. These systems are intelligent, but not infallible. “The public deserves honesty.”
In response to the current situation, Locai has refused to implement imaging until it is “truly 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 imaging functions.
Grok bans are already starting
Grok’s image editing feature, called Grok Images, allows users to upload photos and then use well-known tricks to prompt AI to take off their clothes or put people in bikinis, including non-consensual edits of regular people, public figures and children.
The situation has already led to Grok being banned in Indonesia and Malaysia, and British regulator Ofcom is considering a new ban.
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 images of naked people, as well as “sexualised images of children”.
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall previously said she would back regulator Ofcom if it blocks UK access to X (previously known as Twitter and now the home of Grok) for failing to comply with online safety laws.
Elon Musk responded to the UK government’s threat against 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 spokesperson said: “The move simply turns an AI feature that enables the creation of illegal images into a premium service.”
Strict regulation could come
The UK Parliament’s Human Rights Committee is currently investigating the risks and benefits of AI, how it could 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, values-driven AI if we choose. That means strong 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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