The move follows widespread concern regarding the potential for sexualized AI deepfakes generated by the tool. Grok, launched in 2023, is an AI assistant integrated into the X platform. The specific technical mechanisms implemented to prevent the image alterations were not disclosed by X.

The UK government responded to the change, calling it "vindication" for its previous calls for X to control Grok. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, described the development as "welcome" but emphasized that its investigation into whether X violated UK laws "remains ongoing." Ofcom stated they 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 move, adding that she would "expect the facts to be fully and robustly established by Ofcom's ongoing investigation".

Campaigners and victims have argued that the implemented changes are insufficient to address the harm already caused by the technology. Journalist and campaigner Jess Davies, who has been vocal about the issue, has not yet commented on the specific measures implemented by X.

The incident highlights the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of AI technologies, particularly in the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery. The ability to realistically alter images using AI raises significant ethical and legal questions, prompting calls for stricter regulation and technological safeguards. The ongoing Ofcom investigation is expected to shed further light on the extent of the issue and the responsibilities of social media platforms in preventing the misuse of AI tools.