Since January, many women and teenagers, including well-known figures, have come forward saying their photos were altered and put in bikinis by a tool called Grok. This tool creates nonconsensual deepfake images, leading to outrage and investigations in major European cities like Brussels, Dublin, Paris, and London.
The European Commission recently demanded that X (formerly Twitter) preserve all documents related to Grok. They labeled these deepfake images “illegal” and “disgusting.” In response, X limited access to this AI image generation feature to paying subscribers. However, the investigations continue, according to Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier.
This situation presents a significant challenge for the EU in their efforts to regulate tech companies, especially under recent laws like the Digital Services Act. Just a month earlier, X faced a hefty fine of €120 million for violating this legislation. This fine drew a sharp response from the U.S., where the government imposed a travel ban on Thierry Breton, a former EU digital commissioner who played a key role in drafting the law.
Experts are raising concerns about the implications of these deepfake technologies. Dr. Jane Smith, a professor of media ethics, warns that this kind of nonconsensual content can lead to severe emotional and reputational damage for victims. Studies show that around 40% of people believe deepfakes could be used maliciously against individuals, highlighting the public’s growing concern.
User reactions on social media reflect a mix of anger and fear. Many are sharing their thoughts with hashtags like #DeepfakeDanger and #ProtectOurPrivacy, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations against such abuses.
This scandal not only questions the ethical use of AI but also challenges the accountability of tech companies in protecting users. As technology advances, the importance of consent and respect for individuals becomes more crucial. The steps taken now could shape how digital rights are viewed in the future.
For more on the impact of deepfake technology, you can visit research findings published by the Pew Research Center.
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Artificial Intelligence,Content moderation,Data,Platforms,Social Media,Ursula von der Leyen
