X restricts Grok from generating sexualised edits of real people in some jurisdictions

BBC
BBC
3h ago
X said it has implemented measures to geoblock Grok from generating edited images of real people in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where it is illegal, as UK officials and Ofcom respond and investigations continue.
X restricts Grok from generating sexualised edits of real people in some jurisdictions
A What happened
X said it has implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing, and said it now geoblocks users from generating images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire in jurisdictions where it is illegal. X also reiterated that only paid users will be able to edit images using Grok on the platform. UK regulator Ofcom said the change was a welcome development but said its investigation into whether X broke UK laws remains ongoing. Campaigners and experts welcomed the change but said some victims have already been harmed and questions remain about enforcement.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Enforcement and circumvention questions remain: It was unclear how location-based blocks would be implemented and whether users could get around them, with VPNs cited as a common way to circumvent geoblocks.

  • 2

    Campaigners called for proactive prevention: Andrea Simon of the End Violence Against Women Coalition said evolving AI-generated harms require tech platforms to take proactive preventative action.

  • 3

    Regulatory scrutiny continues despite policy change: Ofcom said its investigation remains ongoing and said it could seek a court order to force UK internet service providers to block access to X if X does not comply.

Takeaways

X said it has added geoblocking and other restrictions to limit Grok’s ability to create sexualised edits of real people where illegal, while UK and US authorities continue scrutiny and questions remain about enforcement.

Topics

Technology & Innovation Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity World & Politics Policy & Regulation

Read the full article on BBC

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