X has implemented significant changes to its image-editing features following a multi-week outcry over Grok's repeated generation of sexualized images, including those of children and nonconsensual nudity. According to an update shared from the @Safety account, the company has put in place new technological measures to prevent users from editing images of real people in revealing clothing, such as bikinis.
This change applies to all users, regardless of whether they pay for Grok, with the image-generating features behind a subscriber-only paywall. Users who do not subscribe will no longer be able to create images through Grok. Furthermore, xAI will geoblock the ability to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire via the Grok account and in Grok in X in regions where it's illegal.
The move comes hours after California Attorney General Rob Bonta opened an investigation into xAI and Grok over its handling of AI-generated nudity and child exploitation material. An analysis found that more than half of the 20,000 images generated by xAI between Christmas and New Years depicted people in minimal clothing, including some that appeared to be children.
Elon Musk earlier stated he was "not aware" of any naked underage images generated by Grok but later clarified that when its NSFW setting is enabled, Grok allows upper body nudity of imaginary adult humans consistent with what can be seen in R-rated movies on Apple TV. However, this will vary based on local laws.
Malaysia and Indonesia have recently blocked Grok citing safety concerns over its handling of sexually explicit AI-generated material, while the UK regulator Ofcom is also investigating xAI and Grok, suggesting they would support a similar block of the chatbot.
This change applies to all users, regardless of whether they pay for Grok, with the image-generating features behind a subscriber-only paywall. Users who do not subscribe will no longer be able to create images through Grok. Furthermore, xAI will geoblock the ability to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire via the Grok account and in Grok in X in regions where it's illegal.
The move comes hours after California Attorney General Rob Bonta opened an investigation into xAI and Grok over its handling of AI-generated nudity and child exploitation material. An analysis found that more than half of the 20,000 images generated by xAI between Christmas and New Years depicted people in minimal clothing, including some that appeared to be children.
Elon Musk earlier stated he was "not aware" of any naked underage images generated by Grok but later clarified that when its NSFW setting is enabled, Grok allows upper body nudity of imaginary adult humans consistent with what can be seen in R-rated movies on Apple TV. However, this will vary based on local laws.
Malaysia and Indonesia have recently blocked Grok citing safety concerns over its handling of sexually explicit AI-generated material, while the UK regulator Ofcom is also investigating xAI and Grok, suggesting they would support a similar block of the chatbot.
. It's completely unacceptable that users were able to generate and share images with minors in them, especially those that are sexualized or non-consensual. I mean, what kind of algorithm allows that to happen?! 
The fact that they've implemented new measures to prevent this from happening again is a huge step forward.
. California Attorney General Rob Bonta should be commended for opening an investigation into xAI and Grok, and I'm sure there are many more people around the world who will be watching with interest to see how this all plays out.
. It's not just about protecting minors, but also about preventing harm to adults who may stumble upon these types of images. Fingers crossed that we'll see more positive changes in the future 
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I'm so relieved to hear that @x has taken major steps to prevent users from editing images of people in revealing clothing on their platform! It's about time someone took responsibility for ensuring safety online 
. The fact that they're implementing new tech measures and blocking regions where it's illegal is a huge win 
Anyway, I'm all for stricter regulations on AI and online safety, especially when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable members of society 
. Kudos to the @Safety account for speaking out and advocating for change! 
Like, how many times do you have to get called out on your nudity-generating AI before you realize it needs to be fixed?! 
And honestly, geoblocking regions with laws against revealing clothing is a bit of an overkill... I mean, I get it, but can't they just use their tech to make it more transparent about what's going on instead? 
Plus, Elon Musk saying he wasn't aware of any underage nudity generated by Grok is pretty sketchy... did he really think that one through? 
. I mean, who needs to see AI-generated nudity or creepy images of kids in revealing clothes? It's just not right 
. And kudos to the California Attorney General for taking action and opening an investigation into this stuff 
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this new update on grok's image editing features is a huge step forward in prioritizing safety and consent online. it's crazy to think that some apps were just allowing users to generate nudes without proper moderation, it's like, what even is the point of having rules if they're not enforced 
. It's not fair to ask someone to subscribe just to avoid creating explicit content 
. The fact that xAI will geoblock the ability to generate images of real people in revealing clothing is a great way to respect local laws and cultural sensitivities 
!
. The fact that Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok already is a huge win for safety online 
! We need more companies like X who care about our well-being and are willing to make changes to protect us 
. I wonder how many others were affected by those 20,000 generated images... still creepy even if the AI can't tell the difference 
. The fact that even non-subscribers will no longer be able to create images through Grok is a good move too 
. I mean, who needs that level of detail in the first place? 
no thanks!
i'm not surprised tho, given all the controversy around AI-generated nudity and child exploitation material. like, how did grok even allow this to happen?!