In a significant policy reversal, Elon Musk's social media platform X has announced it is disabling a controversial feature on its artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. The tool, which allowed users to generate sexualized images of people without their consent, is now being blocked in countries where such actions are illegal.
Global Outcry Forces Action
The decision, announced on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, comes after intense international criticism and regulatory scrutiny. The backlash focused on Grok's "spicy mode," which enabled the creation of sexually explicit content, including images of women and children.
"We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing," stated a post from X's official safety account. The company emphasized that this restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers, marking a shift from its earlier stance that limited the tool only to paying members.
The new geoblocking measures will prevent the generation of "images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire" in jurisdictions with laws against such content.
International Governments Take a Stand
The move by X follows swift action from several national governments concerned about the proliferation of non-consensual intimate imagery and potential child safety violations.
Indonesia and Malaysia were the first to act, completely blocking user access to Grok within their borders. The Philippines quickly followed suit, with its information and communications technology secretary ordering an "immediate" blocking of the AI tool through the country's telecoms commission.
Regulatory pressure is mounting in the West as well. Authorities in the United Kingdom and the European Union have launched investigations into whether Grok violates online safety laws. France and India have issued formal warnings demanding stricter controls, while Brazil has called for an investigation into the tool's misuse.
Official Reactions and Legal Landscape
British Technology Secretary Liz Kendall welcomed X's change but vowed continued vigilance. "I shall not rest until all social media platforms meet their legal duties and provide a service that is safe and age-appropriate to all users," she stated. The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, confirmed its investigation would proceed.
In the United States, California Attorney General Rob Bonta directly urged Grok's developer, xAI, to prevent further harassment. "We have zero tolerance for the AI-based creation and dissemination of nonconsensual intimate images or of child sexual abuse material," Bonta said.
California has been at the forefront of legislating against AI-generated abuse, passing laws to protect minors from synthetic sexual imagery. However, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a separate bill last year that would have restricted children's access to AI chatbots, highlighting the complex regulatory balance being sought.
A Turning Point for AI Ethics?
This episode represents a critical test case for the governance of generative AI tools integrated into major social platforms. The global, coordinated response from nations across Asia, Europe, and North America underscores the widespread concern over the weaponization of AI for creating harmful deepfakes.
For X and Elon Musk, the restrictions on Grok signal a concession to legal and public pressure, prioritizing compliance over the unfettered capabilities of its premium AI product. The situation continues to develop, with advocates and lawmakers pushing for more robust, permanent safeguards against digital exploitation.
