X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has imposed restrictions on its controversial image generation feature, Grok, following a wave of international criticism. This aspect of the app let users upload photos of real people and ask for modified versions, including sexualized or nude versions. Governments in the United Kingdom, the European Union and India have denounced it.
At first, Grok was only be available to a limited number of users each day, who were granted access. However, this accessibility was what allowed the tool to generate thousands of undressed images every hour, which is partially what made the ethical and legal implications so significant. The backlash grew even stronger as several countries said they were shocked to learn of Grok’s abilities. AI through their potential for producing non-consensual sexualized images of women and children.
In reaction to this public outcry, X announced that Grok would only be available to paying subscribers. This decision strongly moves to limit the abuse of the feature. It certainly fits with the company’s purported zero tolerance policies for any illegal content being posted and shared on the company’s platform. We commend Elon Musk, founder of xAI and the company behind Grok, for his explicit opposition to the production of non-consensual images. He claims that anyone who uses Grok to upload illegal content will be punished like people who upload illegal material directly.
“Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.” – Elon Musk
The U.K.’s comms regulator, Ofcom, has verified that they remain in communication with xAI about the misuse of Grok.EU and Indian government officials have voiced disquiet, as well. As you might expect, they took X and Grok to task for advancing dangerous applications of technology.
X has taken important steps to limit access to Grok. This departure is an important step toward acknowledging increasing public fears behind user-generated content that violates legal standards and ethical conventions. The company plans to restrict the feature to paying subscribers. This tactic gives them much greater oversight over the use of Grok and significantly reduces the risk of abuse down the line.
X will be under a microscope as the drama plays out. Both regulatory bodies and a less ignorant public are slowly realizing the impacts of artificial intelligence tools. This global condemnation brings to light the renewed and critical imperative tech companies face. They need to take responsibility that their platforms are not creating the conditions for this kind of behavior.