Transcript

It is a tremendous honor for my office to be recognized as a finalist for the GPA 2026 awards in the Dispute Resolution and Enforcement category and for the People's Choice Award. This recognition is particularly special considering the incredible initiatives of our colleagues around the world. My sincere congratulations and admiration for all of the nominees and finalists. Our nomination stems from the release in June of the results of an investigation into EX Corp and X AI, the makers of The Grock. Chatbot The investigation examined the use of artificial intelligence for the creation and disclosure of nonconsensual sexualized deep fakes. As AI technologies continue to evolve, so do the privacy risks that they can create. Our investigation into Grock focused on ensuring that organizations that develop and deploy these technologies are taking meaningful steps to protect individuals fundamental rights to privacy. My investigation identified shortcomings in the company's privacy governance, risk assessment processes, and safeguards. In response to my recommendations, XORP and XAI committed to stronger safeguards. Thorough privacy risk assessments, robust governance and oversight, Privacy by design, continuous compliance monitoring and evidence based implementation. Importantly, the impact of this investigation extends beyond the organizations involved. It has helped to establish clear expectations for organizations that develop and deploy high risk AI systems. This includes the importance of meaningful consent, strong safeguards. Privacy risk assessments before deployment and ongoing compliance monitoring. Considering the seriousness of the harms that could result from sexualized deep fakes, we expedited and tailored the investigative process to obtain a swift resolution. Throughout the investigation, OPC personnel engaged with the respondents to ensure that their right to be heard and to make representations was respected while also communicating regulatory expectations. Prior to completing the investigation, the OPC shared a summary of the preliminary findings with the respondents, which allowed us to agree on and secure commitments from the organizations. This approach helped us to complete a complex and highly sensitive investigation in just five months while addressing an issue of global importance. The investigation helped to increase awareness of harms associated with nonconsensual synthetic media and reinforced the need for responsible AI practices that protect individuals privacy, safety, and rights. For me, this investigation demonstrates what effective privacy regulation can achieve, addressing emerging risks quickly, working constructively with organizations, and delivering tangible outcomes that better protect individuals. We are proud to be recognized as a finalist and grateful for the opportunity to share this important work. Thank you.