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Elon Musk’s xAI restricted Grok’s AI image-generation feature to paying X subscribers on Friday following global criticism over the tool’s use in creating non-consensual sexualized content. The decision follows a week of intense scrutiny after users utilized the platform to generate and distribute deepfake images of women and children.
New access limits for Grok image generation
In a series of replies to users on Friday, the platform confirmed that only paying subscribers on X now have the authority to generate and edit images. This marks a significant shift from the previous model, which allowed any user to access the tool within certain daily limits.
Discrepancy between X and the Grok app
Notably, these new restrictions appear to be platform-specific. At the time of publication, the standalone Grok app continued to allow all users to generate images without requiring a paid subscription. It remains unclear if xAI plans to synchronize these policies across all access points in the near future.
Global backlash over non-consensual AI content
The policy change follows a veritable flood of AI-generated sexualized and nude images. Users reportedly exploited the tool by uploading photos of children, actors, models, and prominent figures to generate explicit versions without consent.
Elon Musk and X have since denounced the misuse of the technology. Musk stated that the company will enforce its existing policies against illegal content. “Anyone using grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content,” Musk tweeted last week, emphasizing that standard platform rules apply to AI-generated media.
International regulatory pressure and legal threats
The controversy has drawn the attention of major international regulators. The European Union, the United Kingdom, and India have all issued public denunciations regarding the safety of Grok’s capabilities and X’s moderation standards.
Specific government actions
The European Commission has formally requested that xAI retain all internal documentation related to the chatbot until the end of 2026. This move suggests a potential long-term investigation into the platform’s compliance with digital safety laws.
In India, the communications ministry ordered immediate changes to the tool’s functionality. The government warned that failure to prevent the misuse of image-generation features could result in X losing its “safe harbor” protections, which shield platforms from liability for user-generated content. Meanwhile, the U.K.’s communications watchdog, Ofcom, confirmed it has also been in contact with xAI to address these safety concerns.
