Grok Bot Faces Backlash Over Image Creation

Recently, Elon Musk's Grok bot has come under fire for its ability to generate explicit deepfake images, prompting Musk to impose restrictions on non-paying users.

User backlash intensified after Grok's image generation tools on the social media platform X were used inappropriately, casting individuals into sexually suggestive contexts without consent.

The problem escalated when real images of known personalities and some children were manipulated and shared openly on X, leading to an uproar.

Paywall and Public Outcry

In a move to mitigate the situation, Grok's controversial image altering capabilities were placed behind a paywall. However, this has not pacified all critics.

Although the restriction aims to reduce abuse, critics like Emma Pickering from Refuge argue that making this feature a paid service does not eliminate the harm but monetizes it instead.

High-profile figures' disapproval, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reflects a growing consensus for stricter controls and accountability for X's oversight.

Regulatory Scrutiny and International Reactions

Authorities in various regions, including the European Commission, are scrutinizing X's practices to ensure compliance, highlighting potential regulatory interventions.

Pressure is mounting on platforms like Apple and Google to withdraw the X app for non-compliance with child protection policies.

Musk, competing against more conservative AI platforms, has been urged to take more substantial measures in addressing the potential of his bot's misuse.