Elon Musk’s platform X has restricted the use of its AI image-editing tool, Grok, to paying users following criticism over its role in creating sexualized deepfakes.
The move comes after backlash over the chatbot fulfilling requests to digitally alter images of individuals by undressing them without consent, according to BBC.
Grok now informs users attempting to generate such content that the feature is available only to paid subscribers, requiring both a registered name and payment information.
Non-subscribers can still access Grok’s image-editing features via its standalone app and website
“Musk has thrown his toys out of the pram in protest at being held to account for the tsunami of abuse,” said Professor Clare McGlynn, an expert in the legal regulation of pornography, sexual violence and online abuse.
“Instead of taking the responsible steps to ensure Grok could not be used for abusive purposes, it has withdrawn access for the vast majority of users.”
The development follows the government urging regulator Ofcom to use its full authority, including a potential ban, over X amid concerns about illegal AI-generated images on the platform.
Addressing concerns that Grok had been used to generate sexualized images of adults and children, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the content as “disgraceful” and “disgusting.”
He added that Ofcom had the government’s “full support” to take action against it.
Grok is a free tool that users can tag in posts or replies to request specific responses.
However, the feature has also been misused, allowing people to ask it to edit images and digitally remove most of a person’s clothing.
Grok has fulfilled numerous requests to depict women in bikinis or revealing outfits—actions that those targeted told the BBC left them feeling “humiliated” and “dehumanised.”
As of Friday morning, Grok now informs users attempting to alter images on X that “image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers,” adding that users “can subscribe to unlock these features.”
