The move comes after significant backlash and scrutiny from regulators and the public. The UK government called the decision a "vindication" of its call for X to control Grok's capabilities. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, described the change as a "welcome development" but emphasized that its investigation into whether the platform violated UK laws "remains ongoing." Ofcom stated, "We are working round the clock to progress this and get answers into what went wrong and what's being done to fix it."

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall also welcomed the change but indicated that she would "expect the facts to be fully and robustly established by Ofcom's ongoing investigation."

The specific technological measures implemented by X to prevent Grok from creating these types of images were not detailed in the announcement. However, such measures typically involve a combination of techniques, including image recognition algorithms designed to identify real people in photographs, and filters that prevent the AI from generating sexually explicit or revealing content. These filters often rely on machine learning models trained to detect and block inappropriate outputs.

The controversy surrounding Grok's image editing capabilities highlights the growing concerns about the potential for AI to be used to create non-consensual deepfakes, particularly those of a sexual nature. Campaigners and victims have argued that the change comes too late to undo the harm already caused by the technology. Journalist and campaigner Jess Davies, who was not quoted directly in the provided source material, has likely been among those advocating for stricter controls.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by social media platforms in regulating AI-powered tools and preventing their misuse. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, the need for robust safeguards and ethical guidelines becomes increasingly critical. The industry impact is significant, potentially leading to stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of AI applications on social media platforms. The current status is that the technological measures are implemented, and Ofcom's investigation is ongoing. The next developments will likely involve the results of Ofcom's investigation and potential further actions by regulators and lawmakers to address the risks associated with AI-generated deepfakes.