Elon Musk’s startup xAI has implemented restrictions on the image generation feature of its Grok chatbot on a popular social media platform, following backlash over the bot’s use of AI to generate and share sexualized images without consent. Previously, users could request Grok to edit photos of individuals, such as altering clothing or posing them in sexual ways, which Grok would then post on the platform.
In response to the criticism, Grok announced that access to image generation and editing tools would now be limited to paying subscribers. This change seemed to prevent Grok from automatically creating and sharing such images in response to user interactions on the social media site. However, users could still utilize the Grok tab to create and post sexualized images directly on the platform.
Despite these adjustments, European authorities remain dissatisfied with the situation. Various governments worldwide have condemned the platform and initiated investigations. The European Union’s executive commission spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, emphasized that they do not tolerate such content, regardless of subscription status.
The British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also expressed discontent with Grok’s measures, deeming them insufficient. Starmer emphasized the urgency of removing objectionable material from the platform, warning of potential actions against the social media company.
Concerns have been raised by authorities in France, Malaysia, India, and Brazil, with the European Commission ordering the retention of internal documents related to Grok. Additionally, U.S. senators have urged Apple and Google to remove the X and Grok apps from their stores until policy violations are rectified.
Grok, introduced in 2023, enables X users to engage with the chatbot on the social media platform by asking questions or tagging it in posts. The addition of an image generator feature, Grok Imagine, last summer included a “spicy mode” capable of generating adult content. Elon Musk has stated that individuals creating illegal content using Grok will face consequences akin to directly uploading such material.