Elon Musk, a once vociferous critic of artificial intelligence, has now taken on the mantle of an AI proponent, drawing attention to an advanced tool that can rapidly generate videos. This tool, known as Grok Imagine, has caused quite a stir for its use in the production of synthetic nude images of famous individuals. Within 48 hours of its inception, astonishingly, over 34 million images were generated using this tool, which went viral within a very short span of time.
Grok Imagine works quite simply; all users have to do is input a text prompt following which it generates a corresponding still image. These images can subsequently be transformed into brief videos. Of the four available options, the ‘Spicy’ mode quickly became the hot topic of discussions owing to its capability to frame sexualized versions of benign image prompts.
Unlike similar AI-based video generating tools in the market, Grok Imagine has continued to allow users to create prompts about celebrities. This has resulted in the generation of digitally manipulated imagery that depict some of the world’s most recognisable female celebrities in less than fully clothed states. The launch of the Grok feature therefore comes at a time when AI application discussions within the entertainment sector are already in full swing.
Adding fuel to fire, the recent labor strikes in the entertainment industry have further heightened debates about the ethical usage of AI. Interestingly, there is concomitant legislative action occurring in this space, with new laws being enacted that impose criminal penalties for the distribution of non-consensual intimate images.
This legal move has seen strong support from prominent figures in society, many of whom have ironically become victims of Grok’s deepfake technology. These advocates not only understand the implications of being at the receiving end of such non-consensual digital exploitation but are also keenly aware of its potential disruptions to society at large.
We decided to review the tool by inputting a neutral prompt to generate an image of celebrities posed on a red carpet – a common, publicly accessible setting where stars have a say in their appearance. This approach allowed us to neutralize the output and observe how the tool handles non-controversial situations.
Interestingly, some of the prompts pertained to personalities who have been outspoken critics of AI-generated imagery. These critics, who span multiple genders, have raised concerns about the potential for technological misuse and the human toll it can enact.
These individuals serve as a powerful reminder for AI developers to think twice before using their likeness in potential deepfake productions. The voice of these critics stands as a challenge to the propagators of AI, urging them to consider the implications of their work on the larger experiential fabric of society.
Unfortunately, no response has been forthcoming from Grok in relation to queries regarding this matter. While this specific feature remains free to all users for the time being, Grok has announced plans to roll it out to everyone in the near future.
The company assures that the quality of video generation would see drastic improvements in the forthcoming iterations of the tool. However, they remain tight-lipped on whether any safety measures would be put in place to prevent misuse.
The post Elon Musk Advocates for Controversial AI Tool Grok Imagine appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
