The X app, formerly known as Twitter, has launched a new AI-powered image editor that lets anyone edit any image posted to the platform.

The new functionality was promptly met with concern from users and artists specifically, as it seems there is no way for anyone to opt out of letting their content be edited with the platform’s AI.

It didn’t take long for users to find what appeared to be settings on the X app to turn off to prevent editing of their content, however turning these settings off didn’t prevent users from editing their images.

The new Grok (X’s AI model) image editing was launched a little over a year since the platform updated its terms of service, which had a clause allowing X and others to use content posted to the site – even for machine learning.

Numerous posts from artists from around the world have been talking up the new feature’s lack of opting out or consent, and some have even pledged to stop posting art or delete their previous art altogether.

Sun-Ken Rock and Dr. Stone manga artist Boichi also talked up his concerns with the new functionality. Boichi said while he loves X as a platform to connect with fans – he cannot post his works on the platform and allow it to be used, learned from, or exploited without his consent or compensation.

Here’s the full message from Boichi:

For the time being, I will pause the publication of my comics and illustrations on X. I want to be clear: I do not fear AI. In fact, I believe in its future and the possibilities it may bring. However, I cannot accept my works being used, learned from, or exploited without my consent or proper compensation.

I care deeply about X. Together with my Canadian friend—who helps translate my words into English and shares with me the voices and stories of fans from overseas—we have worked hard to build something meaningful here. This place has given us precious experiences and memories.

Precisely because I like X, and because I believe it can become a good place for the future of manga, I have shared my most valuable works here.

For now, I will stop posting my comics and illustrations on X. Instead, I will begin sharing my comics and illustrations on Instagram. Please understand—this does not mean I am leaving X. I will remain here, continue sharing news, and continue talking with you.

I simply will not posting my art works here for the time being. Please enjoy my comics and illustrations on Instagram. And I will wait— for the day when I can once again share my works on X.

I sincerely hope that day will come.

Boichi

Some users have found ways to post their artwork on sharing platforms, which then in turn would let them post links to the other platform and have it displayed on X as embedded media, and thus not editable with X’s new AI editing.

Another solution users and creators have found to stop their artwork from being edited with X’s AI is to convert them into GIFs, or even a video clip – even if it’s just static artwork, thus making them uneditable on X.. at least for now.

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