X restricts Grok’s image generation to paying subscribers only after drawing the world’s ire

Elon Musk’s AI company has limited Grok’s controversial AI image generation feature to only paying subscribers to

In replies to users on Friday, Grok said only paying subscribers to X can generate and edit images on the platform. Notably, these limits don’t apply to the Grok app, which at the time of publication allowed anyone to take photos without paying for a subscription.

Initially available to anyone with daily limits, Grok’s image generation feature allowed users to upload anyone’s photo and ask them to edit it or generate a sexualized or nude version. What followed was a true flood of non-consensual sexualized images of children, actors, models and prominent figures, drawing the ire of several countries.

X and Musk have both publicly denounced the use of the tool to produce such images, writing that the company would adhere to its policy against posting illegal content on the social media platform. “Anyone who uses grok to create illegal content will face the same consequences as if they upload illegal content,” Musk said tweeted last week.

Britain, the European Union and India have all publicly denounced X and Grok for allowing such use of their capabilities. The EU asked xAI to do this on Thursday retain all documentation related to the chatbot, and India’s Ministry of Communications last week directed The British communications watchdog said it has also contacted xAI about the matter.