X Restricts Grok AI Image Creation to Paid Users After Deepfake Concerns

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X has reportedly rolled out new restrictions on Grok AI’s image generation and editing features, limiting access to paid subscribers amid mounting backlash over deepfake abuse. The move follows intense criticism over the platform’s role in enabling the creation of sexually explicit, AI-generated images, as well as growing scrutiny from regulators, particularly in the UK.

According to reports, Grok AI had previously allowed users to alter images in ways that included digitally removing clothing and placing individuals—predominantly women—into sexualised scenarios. These capabilities sparked public outrage and renewed debates around AI safety, consent, and platform responsibility. In response, the Elon Musk-owned platform is said to have curtailed these tools for non-paying users.

The Guardian reports that most users on X are now unable to generate or edit images using Grok unless they have a paid subscription. Subscribers, whose identities and payment information are verified by the platform, continue to retain access to the image-related features. However, Gadgets 360 confirmed that free users can still access similar image editing tools through Grok’s standalone app and official website, despite restrictions within X itself.

The BBC further reported that the changes came after warnings of potential fines and regulatory action from UK authorities. Government sources indicated that pressure has been mounting on Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to take decisive steps against the platform. Officials reportedly expect Ofcom to use its full regulatory powers to address concerns surrounding unlawful AI-generated imagery, including the possibility of imposing sanctions or access limitations on X.

Samsung Bixby on One UI 8.5 May Integrate DeepSeek and Perplexity AI

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Samsung is reportedly preparing a major upgrade for its Bixby Live assistant as part of the upcoming One UI 8.5 update, which is based on Android 16. According to recent leaks, the company has integrated AI technologies from DeepSeek and Perplexity to enhance Bixby’s capabilities, positioning it as a stronger competitor to Google’s Gemini Live.

The new integration was spotted in a beta build of One UI 8.5, suggesting that Samsung is actively testing advanced AI features behind the scenes. With this update, Bixby Live is said to gain more powerful conversational and search abilities, enabling it to deliver richer, more contextual responses to user queries. This move signals Samsung’s intent to modernize Bixby and bring it closer to the latest AI assistant experiences on the market.

One of the notable additions reportedly coming with One UI 8.5 is the ability to export AI-generated responses directly into documents. This feature could make Bixby more useful for productivity-related tasks, allowing users to save, share, or further edit AI-generated content. In addition, users may be able to attach multiple images and videos to their queries, giving Bixby more context to generate accurate and detailed answers.

According to X user Galaxy Techie, who shared screenshots from the beta version, Bixby Live on One UI 8.5 can also respond to queries using Circle to Search. The assistant is further said to support generating a wide range of content, including podcasts, music, audio files, images, videos, and documents. These outputs can reportedly be attached directly to queries, hinting at a more interactive and multimedia-focused AI experience in Samsung’s next software update.

Microsoft Copilot Checkout Enables In-Chat Product Search and Purchases

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Microsoft has unveiled Copilot Checkout, a new AI-driven shopping feature that allows users to search for and buy products directly within the Copilot chat interface. Announced on Thursday, the feature marks Microsoft’s entry into the rapidly growing space of conversational commerce, where artificial intelligence is used to guide users from product discovery to purchase without leaving the chat window.

With this launch, the Redmond-based company joins other major players such as OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity, all of which have been experimenting with AI-powered shopping experiences. Although Microsoft is entering this space later than some of its rivals, it has moved quickly to establish key partnerships with Shopify, PayPal, and Stripe to support seamless transactions. The company had previously introduced shopping-related tools for Copilot within the Edge browser in November.

Microsoft detailed the new Copilot Checkout experience in a blog post, confirming that it is currently available to users in the United States via Copilot’s website. A wider rollout across additional regions and platforms is expected in the near future. The company has also opened applications for merchants interested in joining the program through PayPal or Stripe, enabling them to offer products directly through the chatbot.

For now, Copilot Checkout supports product discovery and purchases from Shopify listings. Microsoft describes the feature as a “conversation to conversion” solution, highlighting its potential impact on sales. According to the company, interactions that involve Copilot lead to 53 percent more purchases within 30 minutes compared to sessions without it, and when users show shopping intent, Copilot-assisted journeys are nearly twice as likely to result in a completed purchase.