Global Scrutiny Forces X to Curb Grok’s Image‑Editing Features

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has imposed sweeping restrictions on its AI system Grok following intense international backlash and multiple regulatory investigations into the creation of non‑consensual, sexually explicit AI‑generated images of women and children. The controversy erupted after users demonstrated that Grok’s image‑editing tools could be misused to “undress” real people or generate sexualised deepfakes, prompting condemnation from governments, watchdogs, and law‑enforcement agencies across several countries.

🌍 What Triggered the Restrictions

In the UK, Ofcom opened a probe under the Online Safety Act, warning X that failure to comply could result in fines of up to 10% of global revenue or even a nationwide service block. Ireland, France, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia also demanded immediate corrective action, with some countries temporarily blocking access to Grok entirely.

🛑 The Measures X Has Implemented

In response to mounting pressure, X announced several new safeguards:

• Geoblocking the ability to generate or edit images of real people in bikinis, underwear, or similar attire in jurisdictions where such content is illegal.
• Technological barriers prevent Grok from modifying images of real individuals to depict them in revealing clothing.
• Restricting image generation and editing to paid subscribers only, a move X claims adds accountability by tying usage to verified identities.
• Reaffirming a zero‑tolerance policy toward child sexual exploitation, non‑consensual nudity, and other illegal content, with commitments to remove violating material and cooperate with law enforcement.

⚖️ Global Political and Legal Fallout

The scandal has escalated into a diplomatic and regulatory flashpoint:

• UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the deepfakes “disgusting” and “shameful,” urging X to comply fully with UK law.
• California’s Attorney General described the proliferation of explicit deepfakes as an “avalanche” and warned xAI to halt the spread immediately.
• The European Commission said it would closely assess X’s new measures to ensure they protect EU citizens effectively.
• India’s IT Ministry demanded the immediate removal of all obscene Grok‑generated content and required a detailed action‑taken report.

📉 Broader Implications for AI Governance

The incident has become a defining moment in global debates over AI safety, accountability, and the responsibilities of platforms deploying generative tools. Experts and regulators argue that the scandal highlights the urgent need for enforceable safeguards against non‑consensual deepfakes and AI‑enabled sexual exploitation.

X maintains that Grok is designed to obey local laws and refuses to generate illegal content, but investigations continue across multiple jurisdictions to determine the extent of harm and whether the platform acted swiftly enough to prevent abuse.