August M
Elon Musk’s social media platform X has moved to restrict image editing features in its Grok AI tool after widespread criticism over its use to create sexualised deepfakes. The change follows days of mounting pressure from campaigners, experts and the UK government.
The move has done little to ease concerns among critics, who say the harm has already been done and deeper safeguards are still missing.
Access tightened
According to the BBC, Grok has begun telling users that image generation and editing on X are now limited to paying subscribers.
This means only users with verified accounts, whose names and payment details are held by the platform, can access the feature.
Non-paying users can still use Grok’s image tools via its separate app and website. X has not publicly explained the decision, and the BBC said it had approached the company for comment.
The change follows backlash after Grok complied with requests to digitally undress people in images without their consent.
Criminal concerns
The charity previously said its analysts had found “criminal imagery” of girls aged between 11 and 13 which “appeared to have been created” using Grok.
“Sitting and waiting for unsafe products to be abused before taking action is unacceptable,” Swirsky said.
Women targeted by the tool described feeling “humiliated” and “dehumanised” after Grok altered their images to show them in minimal clothing.
Critics unconvinced
“Musk has thrown his toys out of the pram in protest at being held to account for the tsunami of abuse,” said Professor Clare McGlynn, an expert in the legal regulation of pornography, sexual violence and online abuse.
“Instead of taking the responsible steps to ensure Grok could not be used for abusive purposes, it has withdrawn access for the vast majority of users,” she added.
Hannah Swirsky, head of policy at the Internet Watch Foundation, said the move “does not undo the harm which has been done”.
Political pressure
The controversy has drawn a strong response from the UK government. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the creation of sexualised AI images “disgraceful” and “disgusting”.
“It’s unlawful. We’re not going to tolerate it. I’ve asked for all options to be on the table,” he told Greatest Hits Radio.
Ministers have urged regulator Ofcom to use all available powers under the Online Safety Act, including seeking court orders that could restrict X’s ability to operate in the UK. The BBC said it had contacted Ofcom for comment.
Calls for redesign
Dr Daisy Dixon, an X user who said Grok had been used to undress her, welcomed the restriction but said it felt “like a sticking plaster”.
“Grok needs to be totally redesigned and have built-in ethical guardrails to prevent this from ever happening again,” she told the BBC.
Professor McGlynn said similar steps were taken last year when X limited searches for pornographic Taylor Swift deepfakes, adding: “All the regulation requires is that he takes necessary precautions to reduce harm.”
Sources: BBC
