Elon Musk’s xAI startup has implemented restrictions on the image generation feature of its Grok chatbot on the social media platform X. This decision came after backlash arose due to the use of AI by Grok to generate and post sexualized images without consent. Users were able to request Grok to edit photos, such as removing clothing items and posing people in sexualized manners, which were then shared on the platform.
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 generating and posting such images in response to user interactions on the social media site. However, users could still create sexualized images using the Grok tab within the platform and share them themselves. Additionally, the standalone Grok app continued to allow image generation without requiring a subscription.
Despite these adjustments, regulatory authorities in Europe expressed dissatisfaction with the situation. Various governments worldwide have criticized the platform and initiated investigations. The European Union’s executive commission reiterated their stance against such content, emphasizing that they do not want to see such images on the platform, regardless of subscription status.
The British government also found Grok’s modifications inadequate. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the changes were not a sufficient resolution, emphasizing the need for prompt action to remove such material, which they deemed intolerable. Countries like France, Malaysia, India, and Brazil are closely monitoring the situation, with the European Commission ordering X to retain all relevant documents and data related to Grok as part of a broader investigation under the EU’s digital safety regulations.
In the United States, three Democratic senators are urging Apple and Google to remove X and Grok from their app stores until the policy violations are addressed. The senators emphasized the necessity of addressing these violations promptly, calling for the removal of the apps until corrective actions are taken.
Grok is a free service for X users, allowing them to interact with the chatbot on the social media platform by tagging it in posts or replies. Launched in 2023, Grok introduced an image generator feature named Grok Imagine last summer, which includes a “spicy mode” capable of generating adult content. Elon Musk has stated that individuals creating illegal content using Grok will face consequences similar to those for direct uploads.
