Tech billionaire, Elon Musk’s platform, X, has moved to block its Grok artificial intelligence model from altering photographs of real people in ways that depict them in scanty or inappropriate clothing, following mounting global concerns over the spread of sexualised AI-generated images.
The company announced the decision in a post on Wednesday, saying new safeguards had been deployed to prevent misuse of its image-editing tool.
According to the statement, X has “implemented technological measures” to ensure Grok can no longer be used to modify photos of real individuals to show them in bikinis or other revealing outfits.
The measure applies across all user categories, including paying subscribers.
The development came shortly after California’s Attorney General confirmed that the state had launched a probe into the circulation of inappropriate AI-manipulated images some involving minors allegedly created through Grok.
X noted that the latest restriction reinforces existing controls and reiterated that access to its image editing features would remain limited to paid users.
The company explained that placing such tools behind a subscription wall was intended to promote accountability and deter abuse.
It added that attempts to generate altered images of real people in items such as underwear or swimwear would be automatically blocked in compliance with applicable laws and platform policies.
California’s chief prosecutor, Rob Bonta, warned that AI-generated pictures targeting women and children are being deployed to harass victims online, calling the trend deeply harmful.
Public outrage has prompted wider international pushback. Authorities in Malaysia and Indonesia have already restricted access to the Grok chatbot over similar concerns, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cautioned that X risks losing the privilege of self-regulation if it fails to curb harmful content.
In a related move, Britain’s communications regulator, Ofcom, confirmed it is examining whether X may have violated UK law in connection with the spread of the controversial images.