Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, will no longer be able to modify images of real people in revealing clothing on the X platform, following significant backlash over its capability to digitally undress adults and, in troubling cases, minors. The update, announced on Wednesday, includes new technical safeguards aimed at preventing misuse of the AI tool, with both X and its parent company, xAI, emphasizing compliance with legal standards.
As part of this update, Grok has been restricted from editing photos of individuals in bikinis, lingerie, or other suggestive outfits, a change that applies to all users, including those subscribed to X Premium. Previously, Grok’s image generation capabilities had already been limited exclusively to paid subscribers. Observers have noted a shift in Grok’s responses to requests for image modifications, with the company confirming that these changes are now fully operational.
Despite the newly implemented restrictions, AI Forensics, a European nonprofit focused on monitoring AI behavior, pointed out disparities between Grok’s public interactions via its X account and private conversations on Grok.com concerning sexually explicit content. This inconsistency raises questions about the effectiveness of the imposed limitations.
X reiterated its dedication to countering illegal activities, specifically Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Users attempting to generate prohibited content through Grok face severe repercussions, including permanent account suspension and possible legal action. Musk responded to the controversy on X, asserting, “Zero. Grok will refuse to produce any illegal content, as it is designed to follow the laws of each country or region.”
While entirely nude images were reported to be rare, experts warned that Grok had previously been prompted to place minors in revealing clothing or suggestive poses, actions that are illegal under the Take It Down Act, which imposes hefty fines and prison sentences for producing such non-consensual images. In light of these developments, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated an official investigation into the “spread of non-consensual sexually explicit content created with Grok,” indicating an escalation in legal scrutiny of AI-generated materials.
The controversy surrounding Grok has led to its ban in multiple countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, where concerns over inappropriate image generation have prompted regulatory action. In the United Kingdom, the communications regulator Ofcom has launched a formal inquiry into X, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office has welcomed the platform’s efforts to mitigate misuse.
These new safeguards reflect a broader push for responsible AI technology operation. While Grok is now restricted from altering images of real individuals in revealing attire, ongoing monitoring will be essential to prevent potential misuse in the future. This situation underscores the challenges technology companies face in balancing innovation with ethical considerations and user protection.
As Grok continues to function as a versatile AI assistant on X, it remains imperative for the company to prioritize user safety and maintain compliance with legal standards. The recent developments highlight the ongoing conversation surrounding the responsible use of AI in a rapidly evolving landscape, marking a significant moment in the discourse on technology, responsibility, and legality.
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