Elon Musk’s platform X has limited image editing with its AI tool Grok to paying users, after it came under fire for allowing people to make sexualised deepfakes.
There has been a significant backlash after the chatbot honoured requests from users to digitally alter images of other people by undressing them without their consent.
But Grok is now telling people asking it to make such material that only paid subscribers would be able to do so – meaning their name and payment information must be on file.
The BBC has approached X for comment.
It comes after the government urged regulator Ofcom to use all its powers – up to and including an effective ban – against X over concerns about unlawful AI images created on the site.
Addressing concerns that sexualised images of adults and children had been generated by Grok, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was “disgraceful” and “disgusting”.
He said Ofcom had the government’s “full support” to act on the content.
“It’s unlawful. We’re not going to tolerate it. I’ve asked for all options to be on the table,” he said in an interview with Greatest Hits Radio.
Government sources told BBC News: “We would expect Ofcom to use all powers at its disposal in regard to Grok and X.”
Ofcom’s powers under the Online Safety Act include being able to seek a court order to prevent third parties from helping the Elon Musk-owned platform raise money or be accessed in the UK.
The BBC has approached the regulator for comment.
