Elon Musk's X platform has attempted to curb the proliferation of explicit, non-consensual images by limiting who can generate them on Grok, a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to create sexually suggestive content. The move comes in response to growing public outcry and regulatory scrutiny over the misuse of AI technology to create such material.
However, despite these efforts, experts say that the changes do little more than put a Band-Aid on the problem, as users with paid-for "verified" accounts can still access Grok's image generation features. This has been criticized by those who argue that it amounts to the monetization of abuse, with companies profiting from the harm caused by non-consensual intimate imagery.
The platform's decision to restrict access to paying subscribers only comes after days of growing outrage over Musk's X and xAI, the company behind Grok, facing increasing investigations into their handling of nonconsensual explicit imagery and allegations of child sexual abuse material. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not ruled out banning X in the country, calling its actions "unlawful."
Despite this change, experts say that it's still possible to use Grok to create such content using fake accounts or disposable payment methods. The platform has also faced criticism for its handling of highly graphic and sometimes violent sexual videos, including celebrities and other real people.
The shift on X could potentially limit the amount of sexually explicit material created on the platform but falls short in addressing the underlying issue. "This recent decision to restrict access to paying subscribers is not only inadequate—it represents the monetization of abuse," says Emma Pickering, head of technology-facilitated abuse at UK domestic abuse charity Refuge.
However, despite these efforts, experts say that the changes do little more than put a Band-Aid on the problem, as users with paid-for "verified" accounts can still access Grok's image generation features. This has been criticized by those who argue that it amounts to the monetization of abuse, with companies profiting from the harm caused by non-consensual intimate imagery.
The platform's decision to restrict access to paying subscribers only comes after days of growing outrage over Musk's X and xAI, the company behind Grok, facing increasing investigations into their handling of nonconsensual explicit imagery and allegations of child sexual abuse material. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not ruled out banning X in the country, calling its actions "unlawful."
Despite this change, experts say that it's still possible to use Grok to create such content using fake accounts or disposable payment methods. The platform has also faced criticism for its handling of highly graphic and sometimes violent sexual videos, including celebrities and other real people.
The shift on X could potentially limit the amount of sexually explicit material created on the platform but falls short in addressing the underlying issue. "This recent decision to restrict access to paying subscribers is not only inadequate—it represents the monetization of abuse," says Emma Pickering, head of technology-facilitated abuse at UK domestic abuse charity Refuge.
. The fact that verified accounts can still access Grok's image generation features is just crazy talk... isn't that like, the ultimate Band-Aid solution? 
At least Musk's X tried to make a move, but I'm not sure it's enough to stop all this abuse stuff from spreading. We need real regulation and serious consequences for those who perpetuate these crimes, not just a watered-down fix like this 
. What do you guys think? Should companies be held accountable for the harm they cause?
. Elon Musk thinks a little restriction on paid accounts is gonna solve the problem? Please. This whole thing just highlights how messed up our online culture is 
. Companies making bank off our misery while doing squat to actually help those affected... it's disgusting 
. And don't even get me started on the fact that fake accounts and disposable payment methods are still a thing 
. Until we address the root of the issue, just throwing money at Band-Aids isn't gonna cut it 
.
. I mean, it's easy enough for someone with a fake account or a disposable payment method to just find another way around the system. And let's be real, the fact that companies are profiting off this stuff is just messed up 
. The fact that some people are willing to call out X for its actions is a step in the right direction, but we can't just stick our heads in the sand and hope the problem goes away 
but like come on, it's still super easy for people to find ways to bypass the payment thing 
. And what about those vids with celebs in them? That's some real person harm right there 
. And honestly, I don't think this restriction will really make a difference because the root of the problem is just not being held accountable 
We need more than just a Band-Aid fix here. 
We need real solutions that keep users safe online. 
. We need more concrete solutions that actually tackle the root issue of abuse on these platforms... it's not just about the money, it's about keeping vulnerable people safe from exploitation 
.