Elon Musk’s AI venture xAI has moved to restrict Grok’s controversial image-generation feature to paying subscribers on X, following widespread global criticism over the misuse of the tool. The decision comes after Grok was found to allow the creation of sexualized and nude images of women and children, triggering outrage from governments, regulators, and digital safety advocates around the world.
On Friday, Grok confirmed in replies to users that only paid X subscribers will now be able to generate and edit images directly on the social media platform. Previously, the feature was available to all users, albeit with daily limits. Notably, the new restriction currently applies only to Grok’s integration on X and not to the standalone Grok app, which at the time of reporting still allows image generation without requiring a paid subscription.
Controversy Surrounding Grok’s Image Tools
The backlash began after users discovered that Grok’s image-generation capabilities could be used to upload photos of real people and manipulate them into sexualized or nude images. This led to a surge of non-consensual content involving children, celebrities, models, and other public figures. The ease with which the tool could be exploited sparked immediate concern over user safety, consent, and AI governance.
Critics argued that the feature lacked adequate safeguards and moderation controls, allowing harmful content to spread rapidly on X. As the controversy grew, several countries stepped in to demand accountability from xAI and its parent platform.
Musk and X Respond to Global Pressure
Both X and Elon Musk publicly condemned the misuse of Grok’s image-generation feature. Musk stated on X that the company would enforce its existing policies against illegal content, warning that users who generate or upload illegal material using Grok would face the same consequences as those who post such content directly.
“Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content,” Musk wrote, emphasizing that the platform would not tolerate violations.
International Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies
The issue has drawn attention from multiple governments. The European Union formally requested that xAI preserve all documentation related to Grok’s chatbot, signaling potential regulatory action under EU digital laws. In India, the Ministry of Communications ordered X to immediately curb misuse of the image-generation feature, warning that failure to comply could jeopardize the platform’s safe harbor protections.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s communications watchdog confirmed it has been in contact with xAI to address concerns over the tool’s misuse.
What This Means Going Forward
By limiting Grok’s image-generation tools to paid subscribers on X, xAI appears to be taking a first step toward reducing abuse while buying time to strengthen safeguards. However, with the Grok app still unrestricted, pressure is likely to continue until comprehensive protections are implemented across all platforms. The controversy highlights growing global scrutiny over AI-generated content and the responsibilities of companies deploying such powerful tools.
