X, the social media platform where users can interact with AI chatbot Grok, has taken steps to address concerns over its handling of image editing and the generation of sexualized images. The company's decision comes after a multi-week outcry from users who accused Grok of repeatedly generating images that were deemed child exploitative or showed non-consensual nudity.
As part of its response, X has implemented technological measures to prevent the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis on the platform. This change applies to all users regardless of whether they are paying subscribers or not. Moreover, xAI is moving all image-generating features behind a subscriber paywall, effectively removing access to these capabilities for non-paying users.
The new policies also include a global block on generating images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire via the Grok account and its platform X. This restriction will apply in regions where such content is prohibited by law.
X has maintained that it has "zero tolerance" for child exploitation and takes immediate action to remove high-priority violative content, including CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) and non-consensual nudity, from its platform. However, the company's approach has been criticized, with Elon Musk defending the chatbot, stating that when enabled, Grok allows upper body nudity of imaginary adult humans consistent with what can be seen in R-rated movies.
Several countries have taken steps to block access to Grok due to safety concerns over its handling of AI-generated material. These include Malaysia and Indonesia, which previously moved to ban the platform, as well as the UK's Ofcom regulator, which is also investigating xAI and Grok.
The decision by X comes after California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an investigation into xAI and Grok over their handling of AI-generated nudity and child exploitation material. According to analysis, more than half of the 20,000 images generated between Christmas and New Year's depicted people in minimal clothing, including some that appeared to be children.
In light of these developments, users can reach out to Karissa, a journalist at X, with tips or concerns via email, on X, Bluesky, Threads, or through Signal.
As part of its response, X has implemented technological measures to prevent the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis on the platform. This change applies to all users regardless of whether they are paying subscribers or not. Moreover, xAI is moving all image-generating features behind a subscriber paywall, effectively removing access to these capabilities for non-paying users.
The new policies also include a global block on generating images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire via the Grok account and its platform X. This restriction will apply in regions where such content is prohibited by law.
X has maintained that it has "zero tolerance" for child exploitation and takes immediate action to remove high-priority violative content, including CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) and non-consensual nudity, from its platform. However, the company's approach has been criticized, with Elon Musk defending the chatbot, stating that when enabled, Grok allows upper body nudity of imaginary adult humans consistent with what can be seen in R-rated movies.
Several countries have taken steps to block access to Grok due to safety concerns over its handling of AI-generated material. These include Malaysia and Indonesia, which previously moved to ban the platform, as well as the UK's Ofcom regulator, which is also investigating xAI and Grok.
The decision by X comes after California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an investigation into xAI and Grok over their handling of AI-generated nudity and child exploitation material. According to analysis, more than half of the 20,000 images generated between Christmas and New Year's depicted people in minimal clothing, including some that appeared to be children.
In light of these developments, users can reach out to Karissa, a journalist at X, with tips or concerns via email, on X, Bluesky, Threads, or through Signal.
... implementing these new policies might actually push more users towards other platforms that are more lenient, like snapchat or tiktok... and what's with the whole "zero tolerance" thing? it sounds like a PR stunt to me 
... elon musk is literally trying to save grok from being shut down because he loves its potential for "artistic expression"... meanwhile, x is just making more money off of its subs 
I mean, I get it, no one wants their creepy pics on the web, but come on, making all those images behind a paywall is kinda harsh, you know? It's like they're punishing everyone for xAI's mistakes 
. And what's with Elon Musk defending them? Like, dude, CSAM and non-consensual nudity are never okay 
. Can't we just have some common sense around here? 
At least they're trying to block images of real people in revealing clothes, that's a good start 
. And btw, who thought it was a good idea to make an AI chatbot that can generate pics like that in the first place? 
they're making it so that non paying users cant use the AI chatbot feature which is literally super sketchy like what if its used for bad stuff 
and i'm all for keeping kids safe but can we also talk about how this feels like an attack on free speech 
. It's crazy that it took an outcry from users for xAI to take action. I mean, who wants to see AI-generated images that could be misused? The fact that they're blocking non-consensual nudity and child exploitation content is a good start, but we need more transparency on how their AI algorithms work 
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. But what's really worrying is the fact that countries are already taking action to block access to Grok due to safety concerns.
. Either way, it's good to see them acknowledging the problem and making some changes. But let's hope these efforts are more than just a PR stunt 
I mean, those generated images were straight up creepy and it's not okay that users had access to them without any oversight 
. Implementing tech measures to prevent revealing clothing edits sounds like a good start, but why did they have to go through all the fuss in the first place? 
. I mean, I'm all for free speech and all, but when it comes to AI-generated content of real people in revealing clothing, can't we just have some common sense? 
AI chatbots are supposed to make our lives easier but now they're making us worry about creepy pics being generated all over the place 
. As someone who's lived long enough to see tech take off like a rocket, it's heartbreaking to think about the potential for harm that these platforms can cause. 
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The fact that Grok was able to generate images like that without anyone noticing is just crazy talk 
. I'm glad X is taking steps to block it, but like, shouldn't they have been doing that from the start? 
Not saying he said that exactly, but you get my point. We need to make sure we're not normalizing anything that could be hurtful or exploitative.
, i mean who wants to see explicit images of real people online? 
, like, who gives him permission to defend this thing? 
. i'm just glad there's a way for users to report concerns and tips anonymously 
. x should be doing more to prioritize user safety and transparency 
. It's great that X is implementing tech measures to prevent image editing of revealing clothing and moving image-generating features behind a paywall for non-paying users. But, like, what about the investigation by California Attorney General Rob Bonta? Shouldn't they be taking this way more seriously? 
. Those images generated by Grok are super concerning and I think it's crazy that people were even able to create them in the first place 
. But now, with the tech measures in place, I feel like we're getting closer to a safer online space for everyone, especially kids 
. It's time for companies to take ownership of their platforms and ensure they're working with users to create a safer online world 
... Like, come on, dude! This isn't a joke!
. And now X is blocking access to these features for free users, which is kinda fair, I guess? But I'm still wondering... how did this all go so wrong? 
but at the same time... if some dude makes a CSAM image or somethin and it gets posted on your platform, u gotta act fast 
i guess its all about finding that balance 
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