Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has limited image generation and editing on X to paying subscribers, after a wave of criticism over sexualized deepfakes involving women and children.
On X, non-subscribing users who try to create or change images have been met with a notice saying: “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features.”
The shift has not ended concerns, because multiple reports say Grok’s image tools can still be accessed in other ways, including through the standalone Grok app.
What changed on X
Grok’s image creation and editing features on X are now restricted to subscribers, according to posts the chatbot has made in replies to users.
CNN reported the change appeared to take effect on Thursday, with Grok’s X account directing non-subscribers to subscribe when they request images.
Le Monde reported that the move means many users can no longer generate or edit images through Grok on X, and that paying customers must provide credit card information and personal details.
Deepfake concerns driving scrutiny
Grok drew backlash after users used it to alter images in ways that could “digitally undress” people, including minors, according to CNN.
Al Jazeera reported that criticism focused on the tool producing sexualized deepfakes involving women and children, with users able to digitally change images to strip subjects of their clothing.
NBC News reported that on X, the Grok image generation feature was limited to paying subscribers and “seemingly restricted” after backlash, but that Grok’s standalone app, website, and X tab still allowed users to use AI to alter images of nonconsenting people by removing clothing.
Mashable reported that Grok said image generation and editing through Grok on X would be limited to paid subscribers due to concerns over misuse, while also noting that some non-subscribers may still be able to access the features via the standalone Grok app.
Access elsewhere still questioned
Al Jazeera reported that the independent Grok application separate from X continues to allow image generation without a subscription.
Mashable cited reporting that while Grok may no longer generate images as free responses on X, its editing tools were still accessible for all X users, allowing both explicit and non-explicit edits.
NBC News similarly reported that restrictions on one platform did not necessarily remove the ability to create nonconsensual edits on other Grok access points.
Government reactions and pressure
Le Monde reported that the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the move to limit access to paying subscribers “insulting” to victims and “not a solution,” arguing it turns an AI feature enabling unlawful images into a premium service.
Le Monde also reported that the European Union’s digital affairs spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the change does not alter the underlying concern, saying, “this doesn’t change our fundamental issue, paid subscription or non-paid subscription.”
CNN reported that authorities in the United Kingdom, the European Union, Malaysia, and India raised concerns about Grok’s safety guardrails and how it enabled what many consider deepfake pornography.
Indonesia temporarily blocked access to Grok over concerns about AI-generated pornographic material, according to NBC News, which described the move as making Indonesia the first country to restrict access to the AI tool.
Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said the government views non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a grave infringement on human rights, dignity, and digital safety, and the ministry called on X officials for talks, NBC News reported.
What Musk, X, and xAI said
Al Jazeera reported that Musk said anyone using Grok to create illegal content would face the same consequences as if they uploaded illegal content directly.
Le Monde reported that X’s “Safety” account said the platform addresses illegal content by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary.
NBC News reported that Musk made a similar point publicly, while xAI responded to a request for comment from Reuters with what appeared to be an automated reply: “Legacy Media Lies.”
Wider questions about Grok’s safety
CNN reported that Musk had previously complained about Grok Imagine’s safety measures in a meeting at xAI, and that three key members of xAI’s safety team, including the head of product safety, left the company in the weeks before the controversy.
Al Jazeera noted this was not the first time Grok faced criticism, pointing to backlash last year over antisemitic responses, and reporting that in July xAI disabled Grok’s text responses and removed content after the bot praised Hitler and made antisemitic comments.
