Grok controversy: Longford CEO says digital undressing tools are 'a form of image-based sexual abuse'

The CEO of Longford Women’s Link, Tara Farrell, has said digital ‘undressing’ tools are “a form of image-based sexual abuse.” She described as “deeply disturbing” the recent revelations that an AI tool on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) was being used to create explicit imagery by digitally removing the clothing of people, primarily women, without the knowledge or consent of those involved. In some cases, clothing was digitally removed in pictures of children.

The tool in question, Grok, is essentially a digital assistant that is - according to X - designed to help users by answering “almost any question with a touch of wit and humour”.

Last month however Grok unveiled a new feature which enabled users to upload and edit an image. This resulted in some users abusing the tool by using it to digitally remove clothing in pictures they had uploaded.

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In the wake of uproar surrounding the revelation that explicit content was being generated via Grok, and in light of calls for the complete removal of the tool, X responded by instead placing the feature behind a paywall. This meant Grok would only be available to people who were paid subscribers of X. The move however prompted many to accuse X of monetising the situation.

Irish media minister Patrick O’Donovan recently deactivated his X account, citing his disgust and discomfort with being on a platform where such activity was allowed.

The minister said he has also asked the Attorney General, Rossa Fanning, to determine if existing legislation, which prohibits the sharing of intimate photographs, also extended to images created by AI.

Speaking to the Longford Leader, TD Micheál Carrigy voiced his belief that Grok should be banned, and said he supported the comments made by Minister O'Donovan. He went on to add that stronger regulations were required “on all platforms to safeguard our children.”

CEO of Longford Women's Link (LWL) Tara Farrell described the situation as “extremely sinister” adding that the latest revelations were “deeply disturbing.”

Ms Farrell said clarity was “urgently required” as to whether existing laws included AI-generated images.

She added, “Like many organisations, LWL uses social media to highlight issues such as violence against women and also to promote our support services for those who may need them.

“However this is extremely sinister and shows just how much technology can be put to nefarious use, especially when there does not appear to be any legislative recourse.

“We are very aware of the criminal offences as they exist in Irish law in relation to the creation and possession of sexual images, however, we urgently need clarity as to whether or not AI-generated images are included."

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Ms Farrell continued, "Digital ‘undressing’ tools are a form of image-based sexual abuse. Restricting access through a paywall does not prevent harm but simply changes who can afford to cause it.

“Women’s safety and consent must come before profit and any technology that facilitates the non-consensual sexualisation of women and girls raises serious ethical and safeguarding concerns.

“From a violence against women perspective, prevention must be the priority. Tech platforms should be actively designing out abuse rather than responding only once public pressure is applied.

“From our work supporting women, we know the psychological impact of such violations can be profound. Technology companies must take responsibility for preventing abuse, not simply restricting access to it."

Longford-Westmeath TD, Minister Peter Burke addressed the matter during a press conference recently, adding that he was “hugely concerned” with some of the reports that had come to light. He told reporters, “Our children are the most prized people in our society that we have to protect, and it's incumbent on the government to do that, to protect them, and to ensure that the current legislation, be it EU based or Irish based, is being adhered to appropriately. Obviously we have to let investigations run their course, but I would be hugely concerned seeing some of the reports that have been coming out over the last number of days, and the government has to be very firm on this. I do believe that we have to have very strong safeguarding policies for our children.”

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With regard to the creation of explicit images, Minister Burke said there was “no doubt it is totally inappropriate” and “would have to stop.”