WASHINGTON, USA – Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has restricted its image creation feature to paying subscribers only, following widespread criticism over users generating sexualised deepfakes of women and children.
The move comes after mounting international pressure, with several countries condemning the platform’s role in creating explicit imagery. Users had reportedly exploited Grok to generate undressed images of women and children, often placing them in sexualised positions.
Platform responds to user backlash
Responding to users on Friday via Musk’s social media platform X, Grok announced: “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features.”
The restriction means the majority of Grok’s users can no longer generate or edit images using the AI. Paying customers must provide credit card information and personal details to access these features.
European regulators take action
The European Commission this week declared the explicit images unlawful and on Thursday ordered X to retain all internal documents and data related to Grok until the end of 2026.
ALSO READ: EU probes Musk’s Grok AI for generating child sexual images
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said X has “got to get a grip of this” and asked communications regulator Ofcom to consider “all options”. He described the images as “unlawful” and stated Britain would “not tolerate” such content.
France, Malaysia, and India have also criticised Musk’s platform over the issue.
Musk promises consequences
“Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content,” Musk wrote on X last week in response to posts about the explicit images.
X’s official “Safety” account subsequently stated it addresses illegal content “by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary.”
