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X Restricts Grok Image Generation to Paying Subscribers Amid Abuse Concerns

X Restricts Grok Image Generation to Paying Subscribers Amid Abuse Concerns

Elon Musk's platform X has limited the Grok AI chatbot's image generation and editing features to paying, verified users. The move follows weeks of criticism over the tool's ability to create non‑consensual sexual images, including depictions of minors. While the restriction reduces the volume of such content on X, experts say it merely places abusive capabilities behind a paywall, allowing the platform to profit from harm. Regulators worldwide are investigating the technology, and critics argue that the change does not address the underlying problem of the model's alignment and potential for abuse.

X’s Grok Image Tools Remain Free Despite Paywall Claims

X’s Grok Image Tools Remain Free Despite Paywall Claims

Elon Musk’s platform X announced that Grok’s image generation and editing features are limited to paying subscribers, but testing shows that free users can still access the tools through the website, app, and image‑edit button. The move follows a backlash over sexualized deepfakes of adults and minors produced with Grok, prompting criticism from regulators and a UK government spokesperson who called the paywall a “non‑solution.” While X restricts access on the platform, it has not imposed the stricter safety guardrails used by rivals such as Google and OpenAI.

Industrial AI Gains Traction as Companies Prioritize Real-World Impact

Industrial AI Gains Traction as Companies Prioritize Real-World Impact

Industrial AI is moving beyond hype to deliver tangible benefits across manufacturing, energy, utilities, and logistics. By connecting machines, sensors, and systems, AI helps predict failures, automate scheduling, and improve safety. Companies are reshaping workforces, elevating human experts while AI handles diagnostics and routine tasks. Success now hinges on change management, trust building, and embedding AI into core workflows rather than adding it as an afterthought. This shift supports new business models like servitization and advances sustainability goals, positioning industrial AI as a practical driver of efficiency and long‑term value.

X limits Grok’s image‑generation tool to paying subscribers after global backlash

X limits Grok’s image‑generation tool to paying subscribers after global backlash

Elon Musk’s AI venture xAI has restricted access to Grok’s controversial image‑generation feature on X, making it available only to paying subscribers. The move follows a wave of criticism after the tool was used to create sexualized and non‑consensual images of women, children, and public figures. While the restriction applies to the X platform, the standalone Grok app remains free. Governments in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and India have publicly denounced the misuse and urged tighter controls, prompting X to tighten its policies.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health Raises Trust and Privacy Concerns

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health Raises Trust and Privacy Concerns

OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Health, an AI‑driven virtual clinic that can read electronic medical records and fitness data to offer personalized health advice. While the service promises clearer explanations of medical jargon and quicker insight into test results, experts and users voice strong concerns about data privacy, the lack of HIPAA coverage, and the risk of AI hallucinations. Trust, transparency, and regulatory safeguards are cited as essential before widespread adoption can be considered safe.

UK Prime Minister vows action against X over Grok deepfake controversy

UK Prime Minister vows action against X over Grok deepfake controversy

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom will take action against X after the platform’s Grok AI tool was used to create sexualized deepfakes of adults and minors. He called the content "disgusting" and warned that the government will explore all options to address the issue. Ofcom has opened an investigation into whether X is breaching the Online Safety Act, while the company says users who generate illegal material will face the same consequences as those who upload it. X has not responded to requests for comment.

Governments grapple with the flood of non-consensual nudity on X

Governments grapple with the flood of non-consensual nudity on X

X has been inundated with AI‑generated nude images created by the Grok chatbot, affecting a wide range of women, including public figures. Regulators in the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and India have responded with investigations, warnings, and demands for compliance, while the platform faces pressure to implement safeguards. The situation highlights the challenges of regulating advanced AI tools that can produce illegal and non‑consensual content.

X faces criticism over Grok’s handling of underage sexual imagery

X faces criticism over Grok’s handling of underage sexual imagery

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has come under fire for its AI tool Grok, which appears to allow the generation of images involving underage girls. Although X voluntarily adopted the IBSA Principles in 2024 to combat all forms of intimate‑image abuse, advocates say the company is not living up to its commitments. Probes are underway in Europe, India and Malaysia, and U.S. regulators could intervene if the problematic outputs persist into May under the Take It Down Act. Child‑protection groups stress that safeguarding children must remain a non‑negotiable priority.

OpenAI acqui-hires the Convogo team to boost its AI cloud initiatives

OpenAI acqui-hires the Convogo team to boost its AI cloud initiatives

OpenAI announced an acqui‑hire of the three co‑founders behind Convogo, a platform that helped executive coaches and HR teams automate leadership assessments. The deal does not include Convogo’s technology or product, which will be discontinued, but brings the founders—Matt Cooper, Evan Cater, and Mike Gillett—into OpenAI’s AI cloud efforts under an all‑stock arrangement. The move reflects OpenAI’s ongoing strategy of using acquisitions to acquire talent and accelerate capabilities, adding to a series of recent purchases that have either integrated products into OpenAI’s ecosystem or shuttered them as teams joined the company.

Google and Character.AI Settle Child Harm Lawsuits Over AI Chatbots

Google and Character.AI Settle Child Harm Lawsuits Over AI Chatbots

Google and Character.AI have reached a settlement covering five lawsuits in four states that allege minors were harmed by interactions with Character.AI chatbots. The cases include a high‑profile claim that a 14‑year‑old in Orlando died by suicide after using the service. While the agreement is still pending court approval, it would resolve claims in Florida, Texas, New York and Colorado. Character.AI has already limited open‑ended chatbot access for users under 18 and introduced age‑detection tools. The settlement comes as other tech firms, including OpenAI, also face legal pressure over child safety in AI products.

Elon Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI Moves Toward Jury Trial

Elon Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI Moves Toward Jury Trial

Elon Musk's lawsuit alleging breach of contract by OpenAI and its co‑founders is set for a jury trial in March after a U.S. judge found sufficient evidence to support his claims. Musk, an early backer and former board member, says OpenAI abandoned its nonprofit mission in favor of a for‑profit structure, violating original agreements. The case highlights tensions over OpenAI's shift to a capped‑profit model, its later conversion to a public benefit corporation, and Musk's broader criticism of the firm’s direction. OpenAI calls the suit baseless, while the court prepares for the upcoming trial.