- Locai Labs CEO says all current AI models can create harmful images
- Locai Labs Prohibits Under 18s and Image Generation Until It’s ‘Really Safe’
- British regulator Ofcom now launches investigation into Grok Images
As controversy around Elon Musk’s Grok AI platform and its ability to create sexualized images of women and children continues, James Drayson, CEO of Locai Labs – ChatGPT’s UK rival – said no AI image generator can ever be truly safe, and urged the industry to be honest about the dangers.
Speaking ahead of an appearance before MPs examining human rights and AI regulation, Drayson called for action and challenged the government to support British innovation.
He said: “[The] the industry needs to wake up. It is impossible for an AI company to promise that its model cannot be tricked into creating harmful content, including explicit images. These systems are intelligent, but they are not foolproof. The public deserves honesty.
In response to the current situation, Locai has refused to deploy 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 implemented image generation features before.
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 trick the AI into removing clothes or putting people in bikinis, including non-consensual edits of ordinary individuals, public figures and children.
The situation has already led to Grok being banned in Indonesia and Malaysia, and a further ban is now being considered by UK regulator Ofcom.
Ofcom today launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s X. In a statement, the UK watchdog said there had been “deeply concerning reports” that the chatbot was being used to create and share undressed images of people, as well as “sexualised images of children”.
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall previously said she would support regulator Ofcom if it blocked the UK’s access to X – formerly known as Twitter and now the home of Grok – for failing to comply with online safety laws.
Elon Musk responded to the British government’s threat to X by saying: “They want any excuse for censorship.”
In response to the controversy, the Grok Images feature was restricted to paid subscribers, a move which did not satisfy the UK government. A Downing Street spokesperson said: “This move simply turns an AI feature that enables the creation of illegal images into a premium service. »
Tighter regulation could be coming
The UK Parliament’s Human Rights Committee is currently examining the risks and benefits of AI, its potential impact on 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 become the world leader in responsible, values-based 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 benefits far outweigh its risks.”
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