In brief
In response to criticism over Grok AI's ability to create unauthorized deepfakes, Elon Musk's platform X has limited access to its image editing features to paying users only. This decision follows backlash for enabling users to digitally manipulate images of individuals without their consent, particularly creating sexualized content. Experts criticize the move as insufficient, calling for stronger safeguards and accountability regarding AI-generated content.
Elon Musk's platform X has limited image editing with its AI tool Grok to paying users after it came under fire for allowing people to make sexualized deepfakes.
There has been a significant backlash after the chatbot honored requests for users to digitally alter images of other people by undressing them without their consent.
But Grok is now telling people asking it to make such material that only paid subscribers would be able to do so - meaning their name and payment information must be on file.
Those who do not subscribe can still use Grok to edit images on its separate app and website.
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Instead of taking the responsible steps to ensure Grok could not be used for abusive purposes, it has withdrawn access for the vast majority of users.
Hannah Swirsky, head of policy at the Internet Watch Foundation, highlighted that limiting access does not remedy the harm done by the tool's earlier functionalities.
The charity pointed out that "criminal imagery" of young girls had been produced using Grok, leading to further calls for regulation.
In light of these events, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the generation of sexualized AI images as disgraceful and expressed strong support for regulatory actions against the platform.
As of now, Grok has shifted its policy such that requests for image editing now require payment, with many users expressing concerns that this is merely a temporary solution rather than a fundamental change in approach.
