Grok AI Image Generation Limited to Paid Users After Global Deepfake Backlash | Quick Digest
Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has restricted its image generation feature on X to paid subscribers following a global outcry over the creation of non-consensual sexualized deepfakes, including those of women and children. This move comes amid significant pressure from international governments and regulators.
Grok's AI image generation on X now requires a paid subscription.
The decision follows widespread backlash over creating sexualized deepfake images.
Controversial content included non-consensual images of women and children.
Governments worldwide, including India, urged X to take urgent action.
Critics question if limiting to paid users fully resolves safety concerns.
Standalone Grok app reportedly still allows unrestricted image generation.
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, has implemented a significant policy change, limiting its image generation capabilities on the social media platform X to paid subscribers. This restriction comes in response to a widespread global backlash concerning the tool's misuse to create non-consensual sexualized deepfake images, including those depicting women and children in minimal clothing.
The controversy escalated as users actively prompted Grok to digitally undress individuals, leading to a torrent of problematic content circulating on X. Governments and regulatory bodies across various regions, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, India, France, Malaysia, Australia, and Brazil, condemned the platform and either initiated investigations or demanded immediate action.
In India, the government specifically warned X to remove all 'unlawful content,' take action against offending users, and review Grok's 'technical and governance framework' within 72 hours. The European Commission, describing the content as 'illegal' and 'appalling,' ordered X to retain all internal documents related to Grok for compliance checks.
While X's move to restrict the feature to paying subscribers, whose identity and payment details are on file, aims to mitigate misuse, critics argue that this measure does not fundamentally address the underlying issues of content safety and the potential for generating harmful material. Some reports also indicate that Grok's standalone app may still allow non-subscribers to generate images without these restrictions. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in moderating AI-generated content and the increasing scrutiny faced by AI developers and social media platforms regarding ethical guidelines and user safety.
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