South Korea Demands X Protect Minors from Grok AI's Sexual Content

South Korea's media watchdog has formally requested that social media platform X establish measures to protect minor users from sexually explicit content generated by its AI chatbot, Grok. The Korea Media and Communications Commission cited growing concerns over AI-created deepfake sexual material and existing laws requiring platforms to appoint minor protection officials. KMCC Chairperson Kim Jong-cheol emphasized the intent to support safe tech development while regulating illegal information like sexual abuse content. Separately, X has acknowledged obscene imagery from Grok and stated it will comply with directives, including from the Indian government, to remove such content and review its frameworks.

Key Points: South Korea Watchdog Orders X to Shield Minors from AI Grok

  • KMCC asks X for minor protection measures
  • Targets AI-generated sexual deepfake content
  • Highlights South Korean legal requirements
  • X acknowledges obscene imagery from Grok
2 min read

Watchdog asks X to set up minor protection measures for AI chatbot Grok

South Korea's media regulator asks X to submit plans protecting teenagers from AI-generated sexual deepfakes by Grok, citing criminal penalties.

Watchdog asks X to set up minor protection measures for AI chatbot Grok
"We intend to proactively support the sound and safe development of new technologies. - Kim Jong-cheol"

Seoul, Jan 14

South Korea's media watchdog said on Wednesday it has asked U.S.-based social media platform X to come up with measures to protect minor users from sexual content generated by the artificial intelligence model Grok.

The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) said it delivered the request to the operator amid growing concerns over deepfake sexual content that can be generated by AI platforms, reports Yonhap news agency.

"We have asked the operator of X to prevent potential illegal activities on Grok and submit measures to protect teenagers from harmful content, including limiting or managing their access," the KMCC said in a release.

Under the South Korean law, operators of social network platforms, including X, are required to designate an official in charge of minor protection and submit an annual report, the commission said.

The KMCC said the request was made in line with the regulation, noting it has pointed out that creating, circulating or saving sexual deepfake content generated without consent is subject to criminal punishment.

"We intend to proactively support the sound and safe development of new technologies," KMCC Chairperson Kim Jong-cheol said in a release.

"As for side effects and negative impacts, we plan to introduce reasonable regulations and revamp policies to prevent the circulation of illegal information, including sexual abuse content, and require AI service providers to protect minors," Kim said.

Meanwhile, Musk-run X Corp has acknowledged the presence of obscene imagery on its platform, mostly created by its Grok AI, stating that it will comply with Indian laws and remove such content.

The Indian government had directed X to conduct a comprehensive review of Grok's technical and governance frameworks to prevent the generation of unlawful content. It said Grok must enforce strict user policies, including suspension and termination of violators. All offending content should be immediately removed without tampering with evidence, it said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, some action! South Korea is right to demand this. Musk's companies often move fast and break things, but when it comes to protecting children, there should be no compromise. Hope our IT Ministry keeps the pressure on.
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Aditya G
While I agree with the intent, I'm a bit concerned. Over-regulation can stifle innovation in AI, which India is trying to promote. We need a balanced approach that protects users without killing the tech golden goose.
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Sarah B
As a teacher, I see how vulnerable teens are online. An AI that can generate explicit content is terrifying. Schools and parents need to be educated about these risks too. It's not just about platform rules.
K
Karthik V
Good to see global coordination on this. X saying it will comply with Indian laws is one thing, but will they actually implement it properly? Their track record with content moderation is not the best. Action speaks louder than words.
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Meera T
The part about "without tampering with evidence" is crucial for legal cases. Deepfake crimes are on the rise here. We need strong cyber cells ready to handle these AI-generated offences. Jai Hind.

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