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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.

Indonesia temporarily blocks access to Grok over sexualised images

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Indonesia has temporarily blocked access to Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by xAI, citing concerns over the risk of AI-generated pornographic and sexualised content. The decision makes Indonesia the first country to formally deny access to the tool.

The move comes amid growing international backlash, with governments and regulators across Europe and Asia condemning Grok over its role in generating and spreading sexualised images online, including non-consensual content.

xAI said on Thursday that it had begun restricting Grok’s image generation and editing features to paying subscribers, after safeguard failures allowed the production of sexualised outputs, including depictions involving minors. The company said the changes were part of efforts to tighten controls and prevent misuse.

Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said the government viewed non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights and digital safety.
“The government views the practice of non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space,” Hafid said in a statement.

The ministry has also summoned officials from X, where Grok is embedded, to discuss the issue and clarify what measures are being taken to prevent further abuse.

Elon Musk said on X that anyone using Grok to create illegal content would face the same consequences as users who upload such material directly. When contacted by Reuters, xAI responded with what appeared to be an automated message stating, “Legacy Media Lies.” X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, enforces strict laws banning the online distribution of content deemed obscene. Authorities said the temporary block would remain in place while regulators assess compliance and safeguards surrounding the AI tool.

Musk’s AI bot Grok limits some image generation on X after backlash

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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.