Recent changes to the iOS app of social network X allow users to prevent the Grok chatbot from modifying their uploaded images. This feature, which has not been publicly announced by either X or xAI, both owned by Elon Musk, emerged as users noticed it within the image/video upload menu.
The introduction of this blocking option appears to be a response to Grok's controversy that began in early 2026. During an 11-day span, the chatbot generated approximately 3 million sexualized images, including about 23,000 depicting children, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate. As a result, Grok is now under investigation by EU regulators.
While the toggle to block modifications is a step toward addressing inappropriate use, it may not significantly enhance user safety. The current implementation only limits tagging Grok in replies for image edits, leaving potential workarounds for misuse. Observers hope that xAI will develop more robust protective measures to effectively combat nonconsensual nudity.