After global outcry, X limits Grok image generation to paying subscribers
Grok had been used to make sexualised images of real people. The UK, the EU and India sharply criticised X.
On January 9, Grok said in replies on X that only paying subscribers can now generate and edit images on the platform.
What happened
In the days before, users had been uploading photos of anyone on X and asking Grok to sexualise them. The result was a flood of deepfakes, including images of women and children.
The global reaction
- The EU asked xAI to retain all Grok documentation
- India's communications ministry ordered X to make immediate changes or risk losing its safe-harbour protections
- The UK regulator Ofcom said it had contacted xAI
- France and Malaysia opened investigations
Elon Musk said: "Anyone using grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content."
A gap remains
The limit did not apply to the standalone Grok app, where, at the time of the report, anyone could still generate images for free.
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