Elon Musk's platform just threw up paywalls after a tsunami of AI porn. The company limited image editing with its Grok tool to paying subscribers following backlash over sexualized deepfakes. The chatbot had honored user requests to digitally strip people in images without consent. Now, non-paying users are blocked from those specific features on the platform itself.
Professor Clare McGlynn criticized the move as an irresponsible protest against accountability. She argued the platform should have built safeguards instead of restricting access. Policy head Hannah Swirsky stated the restriction does not undo harm already caused, noting analysts found criminal imagery of young girls created with the tool.
The government urged regulator Ofcom to use its full powers against the platform, including a potential effective ban. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the generated imagery disgraceful and unlawful, offering full regulatory support. Ofcom holds powers to seek court orders disrupting the platform's financial operations or UK access.
Grok remains a free tool for text responses within posts. Its image editing function now requires a paid subscription with a verified account. Some users report the change is already active, with the tool stating image generation is locked behind a paywall.
Dr. Daisy Dixon, a user targeted by these edits, called the change a mere sticking plaster. She demanded a complete redesign with ethical guardrails to prevent future abuse. McGlynn compared this response to past incidents involving Taylor Swift deepfakes, suggesting it fuels manufactured free speech debates. She emphasized that regulation only requires reasonable precautions against harm.
Professor Clare McGlynn criticized the move as an irresponsible protest against accountability. She argued the platform should have built safeguards instead of restricting access. Policy head Hannah Swirsky stated the restriction does not undo harm already caused, noting analysts found criminal imagery of young girls created with the tool.
The government urged regulator Ofcom to use its full powers against the platform, including a potential effective ban. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the generated imagery disgraceful and unlawful, offering full regulatory support. Ofcom holds powers to seek court orders disrupting the platform's financial operations or UK access.
Grok remains a free tool for text responses within posts. Its image editing function now requires a paid subscription with a verified account. Some users report the change is already active, with the tool stating image generation is locked behind a paywall.
Dr. Daisy Dixon, a user targeted by these edits, called the change a mere sticking plaster. She demanded a complete redesign with ethical guardrails to prevent future abuse. McGlynn compared this response to past incidents involving Taylor Swift deepfakes, suggesting it fuels manufactured free speech debates. She emphasized that regulation only requires reasonable precautions against harm.
