Musk’s Grok forced to rein in explicit images after global outcry

When artificial intelligence moves faster than the rules meant to protect people, the fallout can be swift. That is exactly what has happened with Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI and built into X, after it became known for generating sexualised images of real people.

This week, X confirmed it has introduced new safeguards to stop Grok from undressing images or editing photos of people into revealing clothing. The move follows mounting pressure from governments, regulators, and civil society groups across the world.

At the centre of the storm is Elon Musk, whose AI ambitions have once again collided with public concern about safety, consent, and accountability.

What exactly has X changed?

According to X, Grok can no longer be used to edit images of real people into bikinis, underwear, or similar attire in countries where such content is illegal. The platform has also restricted image creation and editing features to paid subscribers only, adding what it calls an extra layer of protection.

X’s safety team said the restrictions apply to all users, including those who pay for premium access. The announcement signals a clear retreat from the anything-goes reputation Grok quickly developed after launch.

Why regulators stepped in

The crackdown follows an investigation launched by California’s attorney general into xAI, Grok’s developer, over the creation and spread of sexually explicit content. California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the flood of non-consensual imagery as shocking and said there is zero tolerance for AI-generated sexual abuse material.

California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed those concerns, calling the decision to allow explicit deepfakes vile and urging authorities to hold the company accountable.

In Europe, the European Commission said it is closely assessing X’s new measures to ensure they genuinely protect users, particularly women and children.

The feature that sparked outrage

Much of the backlash centred on Grok’s so-called Spicy Mode, which allowed users to create sexualised images using simple prompts like “put her in a bikini” or “remove her clothes.” Critics warned that this made harassment effortless and scaled abuse at a speed never seen before.

An analysis by Paris-based AI Forensics found that more than half of over 20,000 Grok-generated images showed individuals in minimal clothing, most of them women. Alarmingly, a small but significant percentage appeared to depict minors.

Countries drawing a hard line

Several governments moved quickly once the issue gained global attention. Indonesia became the first country to block Grok entirely, with Malaysia following shortly after. Malaysian authorities said X’s initial fixes were incomplete and warned access would only be restored once harmful content could be fully prevented.

In India, officials said X removed thousands of posts and hundreds of accounts following government complaints. In the UK, media regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into whether X breached local law.

Social media reacts

Online reaction has been fierce. Users on X and other platforms accused Musk’s companies of treating public safety as an afterthought. Others questioned why it took legal threats and international bans before action was taken. Advocacy groups say the episode should serve as a warning about releasing powerful AI tools without clear guardrails.

A coalition of 28 civil society organisations has even urged Apple and Google to consider removing Grok and X from their app stores until stronger protections are in place.

Why this matters beyond Silicon Valley

For South African users, the Grok controversy hits close to home. The country has seen a rise in online harassment and deepfake scams, while lawmakers continue to debate how to regulate AI without stifling innovation. The Grok saga highlights how global platforms can expose local users to harm, even when laws differ from country to country.

It also reinforces a growing reality. AI is no longer a future problem. It is here, shaping online spaces in real time, and the responsibility to use it ethically can no longer be optional.

As regulators circle and public trust wavers, Musk’s promise of free expression faces a hard truth. When technology crosses into exploitation, someone will step in.

{Source:EWN}

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