Manga Authors Begin Leaving X After Update

Key Takeaways

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Many manga creators, including Kei Urana and Boichi, have expressed concerns about a new AI-powered image editing feature on social network X due to lack of an opt-out for content creators and potential unauthorized use of their work.
These concerns could lead to a significant loss for X, as popular authors and illustrators may abandon the platform in favor of others like Instagram, resulting in a potential shift in how artists engage with social media.
The AI model used by Xs editor, Grok, has been met with alarm from numerous artists due to privacy concerns and its alleged ineffectiveness against protective tools like Glaze and Nightshade.
Xs updated terms allow the platform and third parties to use published content for training machine learning models, causing further concern among content creators about their work being used without their consent or fair compensation.

Manga Creators Discontinue Use of Social Network X Over AI-Powered Image Editing Concerns

Kei Urana, author of the popular manga Gachiakuta, which was adapted into a highly-viewed anime in 2025, has joined other Japanese authors in criticizing social network X’s latest update, which introduces an AI-powered image editing feature that lacks an opt-out for content creators. Urana stated, “X seems problematic, so from now on, I will primarily share my art on Instagram,” echoing similar sentiments from other Japanese authors and illustrators. Boichi, the artist behind Dr. Stone, also announced his departure from X due to concerns about the new feature allowing unauthorized AI modification of his images. These concerns highlight the risk that X could lose one of its biggest draws: direct interaction with the authors of beloved works, as many lesser-known artists have followed suit. Boichi explained that while he supports AI’s creative potential, he cannot accept his work being used without consent or fair compensation. He will continue using X for other purposes but plans to share his comics and art exclusively on Instagram. The editor is powered by Grok, an AI model developed by xAI.

Manga Creators Protest Against Grok’s Image Editor Amid Privacy Concerns and AI Training Use

Numerous artists have expressed alarm, with some planning to delete their galleries or switch to alternative platforms like Bluesky. Some claim that even protective tools like Glaze and Nightshade are ineffective against Grok’s editor, a problem exacerbated by X’s updated terms allowing the platform and third parties to use published content for training machine learning models. Disabling privacy settings related to Grok does not prevent other users from editing images. On December 25, X owner Elon Musk encouraged users to experiment with Grok’s image and video editing features amid growing discontent from content creators. These departures signal a potential shift in how artists engage with the platform.

In Case You Missed It

In other exciting news from the anime world, Carlos Mendoza recently reported on Players for Life that Bones Film and Kodansha are teaming up once again to bring us more of our favorite series! Mark your calendars, because “Gachiakuta Season 2 Announced” is coming our way in 2026. While details are still scarce, we can’t wait to dive back into the captivating universe created by Ken Urana and Ando Hideyoshi Gachiakuta Season 2 Announced. Meanwhile, Ahmed Hassan has just dropped a fascinating post exploring the newly released trailer for Dr. Stone’s upcoming cour. In “First Trailer for Dr. Stone Science Future Cour 3” First Trailer for Dr. Stone Science Future Cour 3, Ahmed shares all the juicy details about the latest developments in this captivating series, set to return in April 2026. Looking ahead, film enthusiasts will want to mark their calendars for Bruno Pferd’s recent post, “Christopher Nolan Reveals First Trailer for The Odyssey” Christopher Nolan Reveals First Trailer for The Odyssey. Published on December 22nd, this insightful piece dives into the latest trailer from Nolan’s upcoming cinematic adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, promising stunning visuals and intense action led by Matt Damon. Set your sights on July 17th, 2026, for this anticipated release.