Elon Musk-owned social media platform X has introduced new restrictions on its artificial intelligence model, Grok, preventing it from editing images of real people to depict them in revealing clothing, following widespread criticism over the misuse of the tool to create sexualised AI-generated images.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the company said it had deployed technological safeguards to stop the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real individuals in bikinis, underwear or similar attire in jurisdictions where such content is illegal.
X said the measures were aimed at curbing abuse of the AI tool and limiting the spread of sexualised deepfakes.
The decision came hours after California Attorney General Rob Bonta disclosed that his office was investigating the proliferation of sexualised AI-generated images, including those involving children, which were linked to Grok’s image-editing feature.
“We now geoblock the ability of all users to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear and similar attire via the Grok account and in Grok on X in jurisdictions where it’s illegal,” the company said.
X also reiterated that only paid subscribers would be permitted to edit images using Grok, stating that the policy provides an additional layer of protection by enabling the platform to identify and hold accountable users who violate the law or its content rules.
Reacting to the move, the United Kingdom government said it felt “vindicated” after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had earlier challenged X to rein in the controversial AI feature.
However, with not-safe-for-work settings enabled, Grok can still generate upper-body nudity of imaginary adult humans, but not real people, in line with R-rated movie standards in the United States, Musk said. He added that content standards would vary by country depending on local laws.
Musk had previously defended the platform against criticism, accusing opponents of attempting to suppress free speech. He also reposted AI-generated images depicting UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a bikini, a move that further intensified public backlash.
