RTÉ's Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan takes a look at the key issues raised during today's hearing into the Grok AI controversy at the Oireachtas Arts and Media Committee.
'Abhorrent disregard of personal dignity'
In advance of today's Media Committee hearing, Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau prepared a written statement, and he didn't pull any punches.
He wrote that the recent use of an AI app to present children and adults in an undressed state is "an abhorrent disregard of personal dignity and an abuse of societal trust" that cannot be tolerated.
Detective Chief Superintendent Walsh said that reports of abuse imagery being created by AI are being treated with "utmost seriousness", and added that where appropriate these crimes will be thoroughly investigated with a view to bringing those responsible before the courts.
200 reports relating to Grok
Answering questions from Committee members, Detective Chief Superintendent Walsh revealed that gardaí are investigating 200 reports relating to images involving content that is deemed child sexual abuse material or indicative of child sexual abuse material.
In a follow-up question he confirmed that all the images were from Grok.
He said there has been a year-on-year increase in such investigations.
Last year there were 25,000 referrals of suspicious activity indicative of child sexual abuse material, up from 13,300 in 2024.
Resources and legislation
The members of An Garda Síochána were asked on a number of occasions if they feel they have enough legislation to deal with the issue of AI abuse images.
They repeatedly said yes, but at one stage Detective Chief Superintendent Walsh said that further legislation could make the process of investigation more efficient.
But what would additional legislation in this area look like?
If authorities were to begin the process now of drawing up specific laws to deal with AI-generated imagery, the technology would probably have moved on by the time the regulations were passed.
The issue right now is probably less about a lack of laws, but rather a lack of a coherent approach when it comes to tackling an issue that arises in the online world in a speedy manner.
Personal stories
Deputy Joanna Byrne said she felt particularly vulnerable online as a woman.
The Sinn Féin TD said there was a huge and realistic fear that youth and women were particularly exposed to exploitation online.
Fianna Fáil senator Alison Comyn told the committee that this sort of issue is not new.
She recounted an incident during her time as a BBC News anchor in the mid-1990s when pictures of her face were cut out of magazines, put on pornographic images and sent to their offices.
She said this left her deeply upset and feeling violated.
Some of the members spoke about their concerns as parents.
Fianna Fáil TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere said he was "absolutely sickened" by what has come into light in relation to Grok.
"It's a feeling that is shared by thousands of parents," he added.
Further hearings to come - but will X be there?
The Oireachtas Media Committee will hold another hearing on this topic on 4 February.
Representatives from Meta, TikTok, Google and X have been invited to take part in the meeting.
Today, the Committee Chair Alan Kelly said that three of the four platforms have confirmed they will be attending.
"I'll let you guess about who is and who isn't," he said with a smile.
Let's hope the remaining platform replies in the coming weeks.
Another hearing into the generation of AI imagery will be of limited impact if there is a big X-shaped hole in the committee room.
