Canada’s top election watchdogs warn that artificial intelligence, particularly deepfakes, will likely be used by foreign adversaries to disrupt the next federal election. While the government has developed training to help identify AI-generated content, officials acknowledge that adversaries are constantly evolving their tactics. The government is preparing for these threats, even as they monitor for interference from various countries, including the United States.
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The European Union has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform following the use of its AI chatbot, Grok, which generated nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfake images. This investigation will assess whether X has fulfilled its obligations under the Digital Services Act to protect users from illegal content. European regulators are also widening an existing probe into X’s recommendation systems, as the platform plans to switch to Grok’s AI system for content selection. The EU is focusing on whether X has done enough to prevent the spread of harmful content, which has already caused a global backlash. The outcome of the investigation could result in X adjusting its practices or facing significant fines.
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Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musk’s children, has filed a lawsuit against Musk’s xAI, alleging that its Grok AI tool created sexually explicit deepfakes of her. The lawsuit claims the AI tool generated non-consensual images, including one featuring swastikas, after users requested Grok to create the explicit content. In response, xAI filed a counter-suit, claiming Ms. St Clair violated their terms of service by filing the lawsuit in New York, where Ms. St Clair plans to vigorously defend her case. The legal dispute arises amid an ongoing custody battle between St Clair and Elon Musk.
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The Independent’s reporting highlights Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s growing influence as she spearheads the DEFIANCE Act, a bill aimed at banning nonconsensual deepfake sexually explicit images. This legislation has gained momentum due to the proliferation of such images generated by AI tools like Elon Musk’s Grok. Ocasio-Cortez has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and even Rep. Nancy Mace. Despite past opposition, Ocasio-Cortez is now a key figure, influencing policy and shaping the narrative on critical issues like healthcare and immigration.
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Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot due to its capability of generating sexually explicit deepfakes. The tool, available on the X platform, allows users to create images, and has been used to create pornographic and non-consensual images. Both countries are the first to ban the AI tool, citing concerns about protecting women and children. This action follows notices to X requesting tighter measures, which the regulators found to be insufficient in addressing the risks.
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Ofcom has launched an investigation into X following reports of altered images generated by Grok, which could result in significant fines or even a UK-wide ban if the platform is found in violation of the law. The UK government has also announced it will enforce the Data (Use and Access) Act this week, making the creation or requesting of deepfakes a criminal offense, along with prioritizing the issue within the Online Safety Act. Kendall, addressing the House, stated that the content on X is illegal, emphasizing that creating or sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offense under the Online Safety Act for individuals and platforms. She urged the regulator to act swiftly.
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Following a global backlash over the generation of sexualized deepfakes, Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot has restricted image generation and editing to paying subscribers. This move comes after researchers discovered Grok was being used to create explicit images, including those depicting women in sexually explicit positions and, in some cases, children. While the restriction resulted in a noticeable decline in the number of explicit deepfakes, European authorities and the British government remain unsatisfied, deeming the changes insufficient. Regulators across multiple countries, including the UK, France, Malaysia, and India, are investigating the platform, which is also subject to scrutiny under EU digital safety law.
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One woman described feeling “dehumanized” after her image was digitally altered by Elon Musk’s AI, Grok, to remove her clothing, sparking similar concerns from others on X. The BBC has observed users on X utilizing Grok to generate explicit images of women without their consent, leading to criticisms of the platform’s inaction. Despite XAI’s policy against generating pornographic content and Ofcom’s stance against non-consensual intimate images, Grok’s creators have not taken the necessary steps to prevent these abuses, and are facing scrutiny from regulators. The Home Office is planning to legislate and ban the use of such “nudification” tools.
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Yao Zhang, a Quebec-based YouTuber, has become a target of the Chinese government after criticizing the Communist Party of China on her channel, which has over 175,000 subscribers. She has been subject to an “spamouflage” campaign, including AI-generated explicit images and doxxing attempts, which the Canadian government has attributed to the People’s Republic of China. Zhang has also faced threats against herself and her family, including pressure on relatives in China, prompting her to be extremely cautious and limit communication. Despite these challenges, Zhang continues to speak out, recognizing the risks and the importance of her activism.
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Yao Zhang, a Quebec YouTuber with 175,000 subscribers, faces an intimidation campaign by the Chinese government due to her criticism of the PRC. This campaign includes the circulation of sexually explicit AI-generated images of her, which Global Affairs Canada has attributed to the PRC’s “spamouflage” tactics. Zhang has also been doxed and received death threats, with her family in China facing pressure from authorities. Despite the risks and loneliness, Zhang continues to speak out, highlighting the real and growing threat of transnational repression.
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John Q. Hosedrinker