Source: The Guardian

This explainer article from The Guardian delves into the legal complexities surrounding the creation and distribution of non-consensual "nudified" images using AI tools like Grok. It clarifies that while sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offense in England and Wales under the Sexual Offences Act (and the Online Safety Act), the mere creation of such images by AI occupies a grayer legal area that new legislation aims to address. The article notes that the Data (Use and Access) Act bans the creation of such images, but it is not yet fully in force, leaving a temporary enforcement gap.

The piece also examines the regulatory powers of Ofcom under the Online Safety Act, noting that social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) face potential fines of up to 10% of global revenue if they fail to prevent the proliferation of illegal content. It highlights that AI-generated images of children are strictly classified as indecent material, making their creation a serious crime. The article further advises victims on their rights under UK GDPR, explaining that individuals can demand the erasure of manipulated images as personal data and potentially pursue defamation claims, though legal remedies remain expensive and complex to navigate for the average person.