Authorities in the US and UK intensify scrutiny after reports of AI-generated explicit images of real people, prompting X to impose geoblocking and tighter controls.
X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has imposed new limits on its Grok artificial intelligence system, blocking it from creating or modifying images of real people in bikinis, underwear, or similarly revealing outfits in countries where such material violates local law.
The clampdown follows rising anger over AI-driven deepfakes and intensifying scrutiny from regulators in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The announcement came shortly after California authorities began probing reports of sexualised AI-generated images, including those involving minors.
What X disclosed
In an update posted on the platform, X said it had rolled out new safeguards to curtail misuse.
“We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing.”
“We now geoblock the ability of all users to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire via the Grok account and in Grok in X in those jurisdictions where it’s illegal.”
The company also confirmed that only paying subscribers will retain access to Grok’s image-editing tools. According to X, limiting these features to verified users is meant to improve accountability and reduce the likelihood of abuse.
Endorsement from UK officials
The policy shift prompted immediate reaction in the UK, where the government and regulators have been demanding tighter controls on AI-generated imagery.
Officials in London said they felt “vindication,” especially after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly urged Musk and X to address the risks surrounding sexualised AI content.
A spokesperson for Ofcom called the move a positive step, but made clear that oversight will continue.
“We are working around the clock to progress this and get answers into what went wrong and what’s being done to fix it,” the spokesperson said, adding that the investigation into whether X breached UK safety laws remains open.
Musk defends Grok and attacks critics
Musk has repeatedly argued that Grok’s adult content settings are restricted to fictional characters and do not allow nudity involving real people.
“With NSFW (not safe for work) settings enabled, Grok is supposed to allow ‘upper body nudity of imaginary adult humans (not real ones)’ consistent with what can be seen in R-rated films,” he wrote.
“That is the de facto standard in America. This will vary in other regions according to the laws on a country by country basis.”
He nevertheless triggered fresh backlash after posting AI-generated images of Prime Minister Starmer wearing a bikini, accompanied by claims that critics “just want to suppress free speech.”
Potential penalties for X
Ofcom has already launched a separate inquiry into whether X failed to prevent the distribution of illegal sexual imagery. Should the regulator find non-compliance and X refuses to act, the UK could seek court approval to require internet service providers to block the platform entirely.
Starmer had earlier warned that X risked losing its “right to self-regulate” if it did not take corrective steps. While he welcomed the new restrictions, he said the government would “take the necessary measures” and strengthen laws if X falls short.
How the controversy began
Grok came under heavy scrutiny in late 2025 when users discovered the AI could be manipulated into producing semi-nude or explicit depictions of real individuals, often without their knowledge or consent. Independent analysts later found that:
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Grok generated images that appeared to show undressed or suggestive figures, overwhelmingly women, and in some instances resembling minors.
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The findings triggered fears of non-consensual image abuse and potential child sexual exploitation.
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UK regulators responded quickly, opening a formal investigation under the Online Safety Act.
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California authorities launched their own inquiry into whether Grok’s deepfakes involving minors violated local law.
Several governments opted for immediate action. Malaysia and Indonesia temporarily blocked Grok, citing risks to public safety and the potential exposure of minors to explicit AI-generated material.
