Elon Musk restricts Grok AI images after sexualized content reports
Elon Musk's xAI has restricted Grok's image-generation feature for most X users after reports the AI tool generated sexualized images of women and children without consent. As of Friday, users need a paid X subscription to generate or edit images with Grok on the platform. The standalone Grok app continues allowing free image generation.
Musk stated that anyone using Grok to post illegal content will face the same consequences as uploading illegal material directly. X's terms of service ban content featuring sexualization and exploitation of children.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman Geraint Ellis criticized the move, calling it "insulting the victims of misogyny and sexual violence." He argued the restriction simply turns an unlawful AI feature into a premium service, noting "X can move swiftly when it wants to do so."
Child-safety experts warn the tool blurred lines between risqué and illegal content, with the Internet Watch Foundation reportedly discovering criminal images on the dark web allegedly generated by Grok. Platforms failing to proactively remove such content risk fines or blocks under UK regulations.
This reflects broader European crackdowns: EU regulators are investigating Meta, TikTok, and other platforms under the Digital Services Act for exploiting children's inexperience, with penalties up to 6% of global turnover or platform bans.