Elon Musk-owned xAI has disabled its chatbot Grok’s image-editing feature for all users after widespread backlash over its use to create sexualised images of real people, including minors.
The feature, initially available only to paid subscribers, allowed users to alter clothing and generate revealing content, prompting global regulators from Asia to Europe to intervene and impose restrictions.
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Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily banned Grok, while the UK’s Ofcom launched an investigation into the platform. California Governor Gavin Newsom also urged authorities to hold xAI accountable for potentially illegal content creation.
In response, xAI implemented technological safeguards preventing the chatbot from editing images of real individuals in bikinis or other revealing clothing, extending the restriction to all users regardless of subscription status.
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The company stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the limitations also consider user location, targeting regions where generating sexualised content of real persons is illegal, reflecting xAI’s effort to comply with international regulations.
While Musk defended the company, claiming no images of underage persons had been generated, the decision highlights growing scrutiny over AI tools and the need to prevent misuse in sensitive areas.