Elon Musk's Grok AI Faces Backlash: New Restrictions on Image Editing

Thu Jan 15 2026 11:30:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Elon Musk's Grok AI Faces Backlash: New Restrictions on Image Editing

Grok AI, developed by Elon Musk, will implement measures to prevent the creation of sexualized images of real individuals after rising concerns over inappropriate deepfake content.

In response to backlash against its image editing capabilities, Elon Musk's Grok AI will stop allowing the editing of images to expose real individuals in revealing clothing. This decision follows a probe by California's Attorney General into the sexualized deepfakes generated by Grok. Users will now face restrictions, with a focus on ensuring compliance with laws against such edits in specific jurisdictions.

Elon Musk's Grok AI Faces Backlash: New Restrictions on Image Editing

5 hours ago

Christal Hayesand

Osmond Chia

In response to backlash about sexualized AI deepfakes, Elon Musk announced that Grok AI will no longer permit the editing of photos of real individuals to depict them in revealing clothing. The new measures aim to comply with legal boundaries in different jurisdictions.

The adjustments come after California's Attorney General began investigating AI-generated sexualized deepfakes involving minors. As a result, the Grok account will enforce geoblocking features, limiting the generation of images showing real individuals in lingerie or similar attire where prohibited by law.

X, the platform hosting Grok, insists that these restrictions apply universally to all users, including paid subscribers.

Elon Musk reiterated that Grok, while permitting the editing of fictional nudity consistent with R-rated content, will actively seek to prevent abuse of the editing features. He emphasized that the new policies reflect varying standards across regions.

Following criticism from international leaders, countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have taken the decision to ban the Grok AI tool, amid reports of malicious alterations of images without consent.