UK Data Protection Regulator Launches Investigation into xAI

Odaily News: The UK's data protection regulator is investigating Elon Musk's xAI, as authorities intensify scrutiny over the use of the AI chatbot Grok to generate and disseminate sexualized images of individuals. The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) stated in a release on Tuesday that the formal investigation will focus on whether personal data was improperly processed during the generation of these images. Last month, Grok sparked significant public and political backlash. Users on X induced the chatbot to generate AI images sexualizing real people without their consent. Earlier on Tuesday, French law enforcement conducted a surprise search of X's Paris office. The ICO stated that it has the authority to impose fines on xAI of up to £17.5 million (approximately $24 million) or 4% of the company's global annual revenue, whichever is higher. (Jin10)