Elon Musk’s AI company has restricted Grok’s controversial image-generation feature to only paying subscribers on X. This move follows heavy worldwide criticism after the tool allowed users to create sexualized and nude images of women and children.
In replies to users, Grok stated that only paying subscribers on X can now generate and edit images. These new limits do not apply to the separate Grok app, which was still allowing anyone to generate pictures without a subscription at the time of reporting.
The image generation feature was initially available to anyone with daily limits. It permitted users to upload any person’s picture and request edits, including creating sexualized or nude versions. This led to a flood of non-consensual sexualized images featuring children, actors, models, and prominent figures, which angered multiple nations.
Both X and Elon Musk have publicly denounced the use of the tool for producing such images. They stated the company would enforce its policies against posting illegal content on the platform. Musk tweeted that anyone using Grok to make illegal content would face the same consequences as if they uploaded illegal content directly.
The governments of the United Kingdom, the European Union, and India have all publicly criticized X and Grok for allowing this misuse. The European Commission has ordered xAI to retain all documentation related to the chatbot. India’s communications ministry ordered X to make immediate changes to stop the feature from being misused, warning of the potential loss of safe harbor protections in the country. The United Kingdom’s communications regulator also confirmed it has been in contact with xAI regarding the issue.