Change follows backlash over sexualised AI deepfakes
X has announced that its AI tool Grok will no longer be able to edit photos of real people to show them in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where it is illegal, following widespread concern over sexualised AI deepfakes.
“We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing,” X said in a statement.
The move follows backlash over the creation and spread of sexualised AI-generated images, including of public figures and children.
UK government and regulator react
Reacting to the ban, the UK government claimed “vindication” after Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on X to rein in its AI tool.
A spokesperson for UK media regulator Ofcom described the move as a “welcome development”, but added that its investigation into whether the platform breached UK law “remains ongoing”.
“We are working round the clock to progress this and get answers into what went wrong and what’s being done to fix it,” the spokesperson said.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall also welcomed the change, but said she expected “the facts to be fully and robustly established” by Ofcom’s investigation.
Geoblocking and enforcement questions
X’s change was announced hours after California’s top prosecutor said the state was probing the spread of sexualised AI deepfakes generated by the model.
“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 in X in those jurisdictions where it’s illegal,” the company said.
X also reiterated that only paid users will be able to edit images using Grok, arguing that this adds an extra layer of protection by helping to hold accountable those who attempt to abuse the tool.
It remains unclear how X will enforce location-based blocks on Grok’s image-editing features, or whether users could attempt to bypass them using tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs).
VPN downloads spiked in the UK last year after porn websites were required to introduce age checks under the Online Safety Act.
Musk’s comments and criticism
With NSFW settings enabled, Grok is supposed to allow “upper body nudity of imaginary adult humans (not real ones)”, consistent with what can be seen in R-rated films, Elon Musk wrote online.
“That is the de facto standard in America. This will vary in other regions according to the laws on a country by country basis,” Musk said.
He had earlier defended X by accusing critics of wanting to suppress free speech, sharing AI-generated images of Sir Keir Starmer in a bikini.
Campaigners: damage already done
Campaigners and experts have broadly welcomed the policy change, but warned it comes too late for some victims.
Clare McGlynn, a law professor at Durham University, said the move had come “too late for the thousands of women who have been victimised and whose images are still online”.
Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said the change showed how pressure from victims, campaigners and governments could force platforms to act, but warned more proactive measures were needed.
Questions also remain over how Grok will determine whether an image depicts a real person and what action will be taken when users break the rules.
Earlier this week, Starmer warned that X could lose the “right to self-regulate” if it failed to act, and said he would strengthen legislation if necessary.
Source: BBC
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