Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has restricted image generation and editing features on its Grok chatbot to paid subscribers on social media platform X, following widespread backlash over the creation of sexualised images.
The move comes after reports showed that Grok was being used to generate semi-nude and sexualised images of women and children, often without consent, triggering criticism from European lawmakers and regulators. German media minister Wolfram Weimer described the trend as the “industrialisation of sexual harassment,” while the European Commission labelled the content illegal.
On Friday, Grok notified users on X that image generation and editing tools were now available only to paying subscribers. However, the standalone Grok app, which operates independently of X, continues to allow free image generation.
When a Reuters reporter attempted to use Grok on X to alter an image, the chatbot declined, stating that the feature was limited to paid users. In response to a request for comment, xAI issued an automated reply saying “Legacy Media Lies,” while X did not immediately respond.
The European Commission said the images circulating on X were unlawful and appalling, while Britain’s data regulator said it had contacted the platform to explain how it was complying with data protection laws. Musk has previously warned that users generating illegal content with Grok would face the same penalties as those uploading such material directly.
