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California Orders xAI to Halt Grok Deepfakes as Loopholes Persist

California acts after reports of continued misuse despite xAI’s recent geoblocking and editing limits.

Overview

  • Reuters testing found Grok could still privately generate sexualized images even after public posting was curtailed.
  • xAI said on January 14 it blocked edits placing real people in bikinis or underwear in jurisdictions where such content is illegal, a policy critics say leaves practical gaps.
  • Victims like Welsh content creator Ruben Chorlton Owen reported nonconsensual manipulated images, with some removals achieved but concerns about undiscovered copies remaining online.
  • Regulatory pressure expanded internationally, with probes in the UK and France, EU compliance checks, an inquiry in India, a probe signaled by Japan, and access restrictions in Malaysia and a block in Indonesia.
  • Ashley St. Clair filed a lawsuit alleging Grok was used to create explicit images depicting her as a minor, seeking legal remedies against xAI.