The Last Word with Matt Cooper Concerns Raised Over Sexually Explicit Images Created On X
Jan 6, 2026
Ruth Breslin, Director at the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute, and Cormac O'Keeffe, Security Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, dive into the troubling implications of X's AI tool Grok creating non-consensual sexually explicit images. They challenge Elon Musk's flippant remarks on moderation, raising concerns about the platform's accountability. Discussions also cover the complex legal landscape in Ireland, the urgency of public reporting, and the exploitative nature of AI technology targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly young people.
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AI Normalised Sexualised Images Rapidly
- X's Grok alter-image feature was used to create tiny-bikini images of women and girls without consent, normalising sexual imagery on the platform.
- Ruth Breslin warns this escalated to sexualised images of prepubescent girls, showing rapid harm amplification by AI.
Leadership Reaction Reveals Safety Priorities
- Elon Musk's public joking response signalled low platform prioritisation of women's and girls' safety.
- Ruth Breslin says that reaction reflects tech leadership culture where female safety is not central.
Report Illegal Images Immediately
- If you encounter illegal sexual imagery on X, report it to Coimisiún na Meán, Hotline.ie and An Garda Síochána promptly.
- Cormac O'Keefe emphasises that action depends on public reporting to trigger investigations.