X moves to stop Grok from undressing images after global backlash
X announced measures Wednesday to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from generating sexualized images of real people, following global backlash over non-consensual deepfakes. The platform will geoblock Grok's ability to create images of people in "bikinis, underwear, and similar attire" in jurisdictions where such actions are illegal. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers. In an additional protection layer, image creation and editing via Grok is now limited to paid subscribers only. The move follows California Attorney General Rob Bonta launching an investigation into xAI over sexually explicit material, with multiple countries blocking access or launching probes. Indonesia and Malaysia have blocked Grok entirely. Malaysia's communications minister said regulators found X's previous measures "not done in totality" and will lift restrictions only if the company successfully prevents harmful content generation. Britain's Ofcom is probing whether X failed to comply with UK law. An AI Forensics analysis of over 20,000 Grok-generated images found more than half depicted individuals in minimal attire, with 2% appearing to be minors. A coalition of 28 civil society groups has urged Apple and Google to ban Grok from their app stores.