Musk’s AI bot Grok limits some image generation on X after backlash
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI has introduced new restrictions on the image generation and editing functions of its chatbot Grok on social media platform X, following widespread criticism over the creation and sharing of sexualized images.
Previously, users could prompt Grok directly on X to alter photos of people — including digitally removing clothing or placing individuals in sexualized poses — often without their consent. The chatbot would then automatically publish the altered images in replies on the platform.
On Friday, Grok informed users that its image generation and editing features were now limited to paying subscribers. The change appeared to stop Grok from generating and automatically posting such images in response to public posts or comments on X.
However, users could still create sexualized images by interacting with Grok through its dedicated tab within X and then manually posting the images themselves. The standalone Grok app, which operates separately from X, was also still allowing image generation without a subscription.
When contacted by Reuters for comment, xAI responded with an automated message stating “Legacy Media Lies.” X did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk said last week that anyone using Grok to generate illegal content would face the same consequences as if they had uploaded such material directly.
In a test conducted by a Reuters reporter on Friday, Grok declined a request to alter an image, replying that the image editing feature was only available to paying subscribers.
The European Commission said the restrictions did not address its core concerns, stressing that limiting access to subscribers does not resolve the underlying issue. A Commission spokesperson said regulators did not want to see such images at all, regardless of whether they were generated by paid or unpaid users.
Other governments and regulators have also condemned the explicit content generated by Grok, with some launching investigations into potential legal violations. Germany’s media minister Wolfram Weimer described the wave of semi-nude images as the “industrialisation of sexual harassment,” adding to mounting international pressure on X and xAI to demonstrate stronger safeguards against abuse.
