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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.

Nvidia and auto suppliers roll out partnerships to revive stalled self-driving ambitions

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After years of costly failures and repeated delays, the self-driving car industry is once again pushing forward as chipmakers, technology firms and auto suppliers bet that artificial intelligence and deep partnerships can reignite progress. Companies including Nvidia are positioning themselves at the center of this renewed effort, even as automakers remain cautious about costs, scalability and consumer demand.

Fully autonomous vehicles promise to transform transportation, but delivering systems safe enough for public roads has proved far more complex and expensive than initially expected. While a handful of players such as Waymo and Tesla have chosen to pursue in-house development, legacy automakers including General Motors and Ford Motor have pulled back from their own fully autonomous programs.

At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, a wave of new collaborations signaled fresh momentum. Amazon Web Services and German supplier Aumovio announced a partnership to support the commercial rollout of self-driving vehicles. Autonomous trucking firm Kodiak AI teamed up with Bosch to scale production of autonomous hardware and sensors.

Nvidia also unveiled its next-generation autonomous driving platform, which will underpin a robotaxi alliance involving Lucid Group, Nuro and Uber. Separately, Mercedes-Benz said it will launch a new advanced driver-assistance system in the United States later this year, powered by Nvidia chips, allowing limited autonomous operation on city streets under driver supervision.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly seen as the key to overcoming some of the industry’s biggest hurdles. Generative AI tools are speeding up development and validation while reducing the resources required, according to Ozgur Tohumcu of AWS, who described AI as a “big accelerant” for autonomous driving.

Western automakers are also feeling pressure from China, where regulators last month approved two vehicles with Level 3 autonomous capabilities, allowing hands-off driving under certain conditions. Still, industry leaders caution against unrealistic expectations. Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon, warned against “market fantasy” that fully self-driving cars could soon become commonplace, noting that automakers currently prefer revenue-generating Level 2 driver-assistance systems.

Robotaxi trials are expanding in small pockets across China, the United States, Europe and the Middle East, but scaling them remains costly. According to Jeremy McClain, expanding coverage requires massive data, fleets and logistics investments.

The industry’s long history of hype still looms large. Tesla CEO Elon Musk famously predicted in 2019 that a million self-driving Teslas would be on the road within a year, yet only launched a limited robotaxi service last year. Early setbacks, including the shutdown of GM’s Cruise unit after a high-profile accident, forced many automakers to retreat.

Nvidia executives argue that AI breakthroughs are finally addressing long-standing weaknesses, particularly in handling rare “edge cases.” Ali Kani said foundational advances are making the technology feel closer to readiness. Analysts, however, say Tesla still holds a significant lead, even as Nvidia’s open-source platform gives rivals a shared alternative.

Samsung Warns Global Memory Shortage Could Drive Up Prices Across All Devices

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Samsung struck a cautious tone during the celebrations at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, warning that worsening memory chip shortages could soon have real consequences for consumers. Speaking on the second day of the event, a senior company executive indicated that supply constraints are intensifying, potentially forcing Samsung to reconsider pricing across its product lineup. The message was clear: if the shortage persists, higher prices may be unavoidable.

The South Korean tech giant emphasized that memory components, particularly DRAM, are becoming increasingly difficult to secure. As these chips are essential for smartphones, laptops, wearables, and other everyday gadgets, prolonged supply pressure could ripple across the entire consumer electronics market. Samsung suggested that even a few more months of disruption could translate into noticeable cost increases for buyers worldwide.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Samsung President and Chief Marketing Officer Won-Jin Lee addressed the issue directly in an interview. He acknowledged that semiconductor supply challenges are no longer isolated problems but industry-wide concerns. While Lee stressed that Samsung is trying to shield consumers from rising costs, he also noted that the company’s ability to absorb higher expenses has limits.

Lee reportedly added that prices are already climbing behind the scenes, underscoring how serious the situation has become. The current shortage has been fueled largely by aggressive expansion from major artificial intelligence companies, including Google, Meta, OpenAI, and xAI, all of which are building massive data centers to support growing AI workloads. As demand from these players surges, consumer tech companies like Samsung are left navigating tighter supplies and difficult pricing decisions.