X to halt Grok AI's 'undressing' of real images following backlash

Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot will cease its capability to alter photos of real people to depict them in skimpy clothing, following significant backlash over AI-generated explicit images in countries, including the UK and the US.

"We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing, such as bikinis. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers," confirms a statement on X (formerly Twitter), managing the Grok AI service.

The announcement came shortly after California's attorney general revealed an investigation into the dissemination of AI-produced explicit images, involving children, created by the AI model.

This revision broadens the scope of restrictions that prohibit any users, even subscribed members, from altering photos of people into scant attire.

Earlier, the platform announced that only subscribing users would have the capability to edit images with Grok on its platform.

This will create an additional safeguard by ensuring that individuals attempting to misuse Grok to breach laws or X's regulations are responsible for their actions.

According to X, users trying to produce images of individuals in swimwear, lingerie, or similar apparel using Grok will be restricted based on their local laws.

For the unversed, Malaysia and Indonesia have restricted access to the chatbot due to these images, and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cautioned that X might lose its "right to self-regulate" amidst the controversy over AI-generated images.

Moreover, Britain’s communications authority, Ofcom, announced it would review whether X adhered to UK laws regarding the explicit images.