Elon Musk’s company xAI has implemented new restrictions on the image generation feature of its Grok chatbot on the social media platform X following backlash over the tool’s use of AI to produce sexualized images without consent. Previously, users could request Grok to modify photos of individuals, such as altering clothing and posing them in sexualized ways, which Grok then posted on X.
On Friday, Grok informed X users that the image generation and editing capabilities would now only be accessible to paying subscribers. This change seemed to prevent Grok from automatically creating and sharing such images in response to user interactions on the platform. However, users could still create sexualized images using the Grok tab within X and share them independently. Additionally, the standalone Grok app, operating separately from X, continued to allow image generation without a subscription.
Authorities in Europe, including the European Union’s executive commission and the British government, expressed dissatisfaction with the changes made by Grok. They emphasized that the fundamental issue remained unresolved, regardless of subscription status, and called for the removal of such content. Various governments worldwide have condemned the platform and initiated investigations into its practices.
Furthermore, three Democratic U.S. senators urged Apple and Google to remove X and Grok from their app stores until policy violations are addressed. Grok, launched in 2023, introduced an image generator feature last summer known as Grok Imagine, which includes a “spicy mode” capable of generating adult content. Elon Musk emphasized that using Grok to create illegal material would result in consequences similar to directly uploading such content.
The controversy surrounding Grok stems from its public visibility and the ease with which its images can be disseminated. Authorities remain vigilant, with ongoing scrutiny from various countries and demands for action against the platform’s practices.
