Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool in the wrong hands. The Grok AI chatbot, used to generate images and edit media, has been exploited by some individuals to create non-consensual and sexually explicit content targeting women wearing hijabs and saris.
The platform X, which owns both Grok and its parent company xAI, has been criticized for not doing enough to prevent this type of abuse. A recent review of 500 images generated with Grok found that around 5% featured an image of a woman in religious or cultural clothing being stripped or made to wear revealing outfits.
This trend is particularly disturbing as it disproportionately affects women of color, who are already subjected to societal and online harassment. The use of AI-generated media can be especially hurtful as it allows perpetrators to manipulate images without the victim's consent.
X has attempted to take steps to limit the ability to request these types of images in public posts for users who don't subscribe to the platform's paid tier. However, some users still manage to create and share such content, often with impunity.
The situation highlights a broader issue of online abuse and control over women's likenesses. Experts argue that while AI-generated media may not always be overtly explicit, it can still represent a form of psychological manipulation that is just as damaging.
As technology continues to advance, it's essential for platforms like X to prioritize the safety and well-being of their users. The use of AI chatbots like Grok must be regulated to prevent this type of abuse, which can have severe consequences for women and marginalized communities.
The platform X, which owns both Grok and its parent company xAI, has been criticized for not doing enough to prevent this type of abuse. A recent review of 500 images generated with Grok found that around 5% featured an image of a woman in religious or cultural clothing being stripped or made to wear revealing outfits.
This trend is particularly disturbing as it disproportionately affects women of color, who are already subjected to societal and online harassment. The use of AI-generated media can be especially hurtful as it allows perpetrators to manipulate images without the victim's consent.
X has attempted to take steps to limit the ability to request these types of images in public posts for users who don't subscribe to the platform's paid tier. However, some users still manage to create and share such content, often with impunity.
The situation highlights a broader issue of online abuse and control over women's likenesses. Experts argue that while AI-generated media may not always be overtly explicit, it can still represent a form of psychological manipulation that is just as damaging.
As technology continues to advance, it's essential for platforms like X to prioritize the safety and well-being of their users. The use of AI chatbots like Grok must be regulated to prevent this type of abuse, which can have severe consequences for women and marginalized communities.