X restricts Grok image generation to curb sexualized images of real people

DW
DW
12h ago
X announced new restrictions on its AI chatbot Grok to prevent users from generating sexualized images of real people, including undressing images, amid backlash and government scrutiny.
X restricts Grok image generation to curb sexualized images of real people
A What happened
X announced restrictions on Grok to prevent editing images of real people into revealing clothing and to geoblock generation of images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire in jurisdictions where it is illegal. xAI said the restrictions apply to all users, including paid subscribers, and it has limited image creation and editing to paid subscribers to reduce anonymous abuse. AI Forensics analyzed over 20,000 Grok-generated images and found more than half showed individuals in minimal attire, mostly women, and 2% appeared to be minors. California and Britain opened probes, the European Commission said it would assess the changes, and Indonesia and Malaysia blocked Grok.

Key insights

  • 1

    Restrictions apply broadly, with location-based blocking where illegal: xAI said the new measures apply to all users, including paid subscribers, and include geoblocking image generation of real people in certain attire in jurisdictions where it is illegal.

  • 2

    Regulators are assessing potential legal violations and platform safeguards: California and Britain opened probes, and the European Commission said it would assess whether the changes effectively protect citizens in the EU.

Takeaways

X and xAI implemented new technical and geoblocking restrictions on Grok’s image generation while investigations and regulatory assessments proceed and some countries have blocked the tool.

Topics

Technology & Innovation Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity World & Politics Policy & Regulation Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice

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