Report flags massive generation of sexualised images by Musk’s Grok AI tool
San Francisco: Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok generated an estimated three million sexualised images of women and children within days of launching a new image-editing feature, researchers said on Thursday, raising concerns about the scale of harmful AI-generated content circulating online.
The feature, developed by Musk’s startup xAI and integrated into X, allowed users to modify images of real people using simple text prompts, triggering a surge in sexually explicit deepfake images. The development prompted regulatory scrutiny and led several countries to impose bans on the tool.
According to a report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), Grok produced around three million sexualised images over an 11-day period, including about 23,000 images that appeared to depict children. The watchdog group estimated the system generated content at an average rate of 190 images per minute.
The report did not specify how many of the images were created without the consent of the individuals depicted. CCDH chief executive Imran Ahmed said the findings highlighted the risks of deploying AI tools without adequate safeguards, calling the platform a large-scale generator of sexual abuse material.
There was no immediate detailed response from X or xAI. In an email reply to AFP, xAI issued an automated message stating, “Legacy Media Lies.”
Following global backlash, X announced it would geoblock the ability of users to generate images of people in “bikinis, underwear, and similar attire” in jurisdictions where such content is illegal, although the company did not specify which regions would be affected.
The move came after California’s attorney general launched an investigation into xAI and several other countries initiated probes into the tool. Critics said the measures were insufficient, arguing that the harm caused by the spread of such content could not be reversed.
Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines imposed temporary bans on Grok, while Britain and France said they would continue to scrutinise the platform. The Philippines later lifted its ban after xAI agreed to modify the tool locally and remove its ability to generate pornographic content.
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CM Siddaramaiah urges Centre to increase LPG supply
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged the Centre to immediately intervene to address a severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, saying the crisis is forcing restaurants and related establishments to shut down and impacting a wide cross-section of the public dependent on the hospitality sector.
In a letter written to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday and shared with the media on Thursday, Siddaramaiah highlighted a sharp mismatch between demand and supply, noting that only a fraction of the required cylinders is being made available.
“As against the demand of 50,000 LPG cylinders from restaurants, hotels, catering establishments and PG accommodations etc., we are able to supply only 1,000 cylinders per day,” the Chief Minister said.
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He added that the shortage has led to a visible increase in shutting down of establishments due to unavailability of commercial LPG, affecting students, IT professionals, farmers, dairy producers and others reliant on the hospitality ecosystem.
Referring to recent directions from the Ministry prioritising domestic LPG supply, Siddaramaiah said the State has taken steps to regulate allocation for essential segments in line with the Centre’s guidelines, but the situation remains critical.
The CM also flagged the absence of an integrated monitoring system for commercial LPG distribution, in contrast to the existing IT system for domestic gas supply, leading to gaps in transparency and oversight.
He further pointed out that Auto LPG, a key fuel for autorickshaws that provide last-mile connectivity in Bengaluru, is also facing similar issues due to the lack of a monitoring mechanism.
Noting that India is expected to receive two LPG tankers soon, Siddaramaiah sought the Union Minister’s intervention to ensure adequate allocation to Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, considering its operational needs and dependency patterns.
“I request your kind intervention to ensure adequate allocation and availability of commercial LPG and Auto LPG to Karnataka, keeping in view the operational requirements and unique dependency patterns of the State, especially city of Bengaluru,” he said.
