X Restricts Grok's AI Image Generation After Global Backlash Over Deepfake Abuse
37 Sources
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X restricts Grok's image generation to paying subscribers only after drawing the world's ire | TechCrunch
Elon Musk's AI company has restricted Grok's controversial AI image-generation feature to only paying subscribers on X, after the tool invited heavy criticism from across the world for letting users generate sexualized and nude images of women and children. In replies to users on Friday, Grok said
[2]
No, Grok hasn't paywalled its deepfake image feature
Elon Musk's X has partially restricted access to Grok's image editing capabilities amid growing backlash to the flood of nonconsensual, sexualized deepfakes of adults and minors generated by the platform. As of this writing, it no longer generates images as @grok replies for free, but Grok's image
[3]
X Turns Off Grok's Public AI Image Maker For Most Users After Reports of Deepfakes
Social media network X has introduced new limits to stop free users prompting AI chatbot Grok to generate, edit, and share images. Public image generation and editing through Grok is now exclusive to paid X Premium subscribers. You can continue to make images on Grok's app, within its private
[4]
X pulls Grok images after UK ban threat over undress tool
Image generation paywalled on X after ministers and regulators start asking awkward questions Grok has yanked its image-generation toy out of the hands of most X users after the UK government openly weighed a ban over the AI feature that "undressed" people on command. In replies posted to users
[5]
Elon Musk's Grok faces global scrutiny for sexualised AI photos
Jan 9 (Reuters) - Governments and regulators from Europe to Asia have condemned and some have opened inquiries into sexually explicit content generated by Elon Musk's xAI chatbot Grok on X, putting pressure on the platform to show what it is doing to prevent and remove illegal content. Grok said
[6]
Musk's Grok chatbot restricts image generation after global backlash to sexualized deepfakes
LONDON (AP) -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is preventing most users from generating or editing any images after a global backlash that erupted after it started spewing sexualized deepfakes of people. The chatbot, which is accessed through Musk's social media platform X, has in the past few weeks
[7]
Elon Musk's Grok AI image editing limited to paid users after deepfakes
Elon Musk's platform X has limited image editing with its AI tool Grok to paying users, after it came under fire for allowing people to make sexualised deepfakes. There has been a significant backlash after the chatbot honoured requests from users to digitally alter images of other people by
[8]
Musk's AI bot Grok limits image generation on X to paid users after backlash
Jan 9 (Reuters) - Elon Musk's startup xAI has restricted the image generation function on its Grok chatbot on social media platform X to paid subscribers, after the tool's use of AI to create sexualized images sparked a widespread backlash. The chatbot's image generation had allowed users on X to
[9]
Grok's AI CSAM Shitshow
We are experiencing world events like the kidnapping of Maduro through the lens of the most depraved AI you can imagine. Over the last week, users of X realized that they could use Grok to "put a bikini on her," "take her clothes off," and otherwise sexualize images that people uploaded to the
[10]
Elon Musk's Grok restricts AI image generation on X following outcry over explicit content
The social media platform is facing fines and regulatory action Elon Musk's X is no stranger to controversy, but the platform formerly known as Twitter is facing a massive backlash (alongside potential fines and regulatory action) after users began asking Grok to generate sexualized images of
[11]
Elon Musk's Grok App Restricts AI Image Editing Tool After Backlash
Elon Musk's AI company xAI has restricted the image generation and editing functions of its Grok chatbot on X to paying subscribers, following a backlash over the tool's use to undress women. The move came after threats of regulatory action, potential fines, and discussion of a possible ban on X
[12]
Grok turns off image generator for most users after outcry over sexualised AI imagery
X to limit editing function to paying subscribers after platform threatened with fines and regulatory action Grok, Elon Musk's AI tool, has switched off its image creation function for the vast majority of users after widespread outcry over its use to create sexually explicit and violent
[13]
Elon Musk restricts Grok's image tools following a wave of non-consensual deepfakes | Fortune
"Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers," Grok announced via X on Friday. The restriction means the vast majority of users can no longer access the feature. Paying, verified subscribers with credit card details on file can still do so, but theoretically they can be
[14]
Elon Musk puts Grok's 'spicy mode' behind a paywall
Elon Musk's startup xAI has limited the image generation tool on its Grok chatbot to paying subscribers of social media platform X. It follows a wave of backlash this week over Grok being used to create sexualized and non-consensual images including depictions of women and children, in what X has
[15]
Grok turns off AI image generation for non-payers after nudes backlash
Washington (United States) (AFP) - Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok has turned off its image creation feature for non-paying users following backlash over its use to create sexualized deepfakes of women and children. Musk has been threatened with fines, and several countries have recently pushed back
[16]
Grok limits image generation after backlash over sexualised deepfakes
The chatbot has been under fire over the past two weeks for generating sexually-explicit deepfakes of women and minors. Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is preventing most users from generating or editing any images after a global backlash that erupted after it started spewing sexualised deepfakes,
[17]
Sickening Photo Trend on X Sees Women's Clothing Being Removed by Grok
At the beginning of this week, PetaPixel reported that Elon Musk's X had rolled out a controversial new feature allowing users to edit any photo on the platform without asking permission. Within days, the new tool has been abused -- and it is women who are being targeted. British journalist
[18]
Grok AI: is it legal to produce or post undressed images of people without their consent?
Deluge of 'nudified' images on social media platform X raises questions about regulation of use of AI technologies The deluge of images of partly clothed women - stripped by the Grok AI tool - on Elon Musk's X has raised further questions over regulation of the technology. Is it legal to produce
[19]
Image editing on Grok limited on X after users prompt AI deepfakes
The image editing ability is now limited only to paid subscribers on X. After thousands of user requests prompted Grok AI to nonconsensually 'nudify' people - including children - on X, the social media platform has decided to limit the chatbot's image editing capabilities to paid users. Elon
[20]
X Limits Grok Image Tools to Paid Users After Global Govt Backlash | AIM
The move follows widespread government backlash over how Grok was being misused on the platform. xAI has restricted the image-generation features of its AI model, Grok, to paid subscribers. The change was revealed through Grok's own responses to user prompts on X. The move follows widespread
[21]
Grok AI image editing limited to paid subscribers after reports of deepfakes
The change comes after the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) warned criminals used Grok to create child sexual abuse imagery. Image editing on X's Grok AI tool has been limited to paid subscribers, according to a message displayed by the chatbot. Users were able to upload a picture and ask Grok to
[22]
EU and UK eye investigations into X over Grok's lack of safeguards
For the past two weeks, the platform X has experienced a flood of non-consensual AI-manipulated nude images generated by xAI's Grok chatbot. These images target an alarming range of women, including prominent models, actresses, news figures, crime victims, and world leaders, due to the model's
[23]
Musk's Grok chatbot restricts image generation after global backlash to sexualized deepfakes
LONDON (AP) -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is preventing most users from generating or editing any images after a global backlash that erupted after it started spewing sexualized deepfakes of people. The chatbot, which is accessed through Musk's social media platform X, has in the past few weeks
[24]
Musk's Grok chatbot restricts image generation after global backlash to sexualized deepfakes
LONDON -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is preventing most users from generating or editing any images after a global backlash that erupted after it started spewing sexualized deepfakes of people. The chatbot, which is accessed through Musk's social media platform X, has in the past few weeks been
[25]
Factbox-Elon Musk's Grok Faces Global Scrutiny for Sexualised AI Photos
Jan 9 (Reuters) - Governments and regulators from Europe to Asia have condemned and some have opened inquiries into sexually explicit content generated by Elon Musk's xAI chatbot Grok on X, putting pressure on the platform to show what it is doing to prevent and remove illegal content. Grok said
[26]
Grok being used to create sexually violent videos featuring women, research finds
AI tool also used to undress image of woman killed by ICE agent in US, says research Elon Musk's AI tool Grok has been used to create sexually violent and explicit video content featuring women, according to new research, as the British prime minister added to condemnation of images it has
[27]
Grok AI Deepfake Controversy Prompts X to Restrict Image Editing Tools
Ofcom urged to consider banning powers under Online Safety Act X has reportedly restricted image generation and editing on Grok AI to paid users following widespread criticism over the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images. The move comes amid reported pressure from authorities in the UK
[28]
Grok turns off AI image generation for non-payers after nudes backlash - The Economic Times
Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok has turned off its image creation feature for non-paying users following backlash over its use to create sexualized deepfakes of women and children. Some users reportedly used Grok to generate pictures of women and children undressed, sometimes putting them in sexualized
[29]
Musk's AI Bot Grok Limits Image Generation on X to Paid Users After Backlash
Jan 9 (Reuters) - Elon Musk's startup xAI has restricted the image generation function on its Grok chatbot on social media platform X to paid subscribers, after the tool's use of AI to create sexualized images sparked a widespread backlash. The chatbot's image generation had allowed users on X to
[30]
Elon Musk Responds to Grok Image Generation Abuse By Making It a Paid Feature
X premium subscribers with a blue checkmark can still use image generation and continue to create non-consensual deepfakes. Elon Musk's xAI has turned off Grok's image generation feature on X for free users, as a response to the ongoing backlash over the AI being used to create explicit images of
[31]
X Limits AI Chatbot Grok's Image Generation, Editing to Subs After Uproar Over Sexualized Deepfakes
UTA Revenue Growth Disclosed in London, Where Sports Is a Major Driver of Agency Business Grok, the AI chatbot created by xAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by and majority-owned by Elon Musk, has switched off its image creation and editing function for most users after an uproar
[32]
Musk's Grok Chatbot Restricts Image Generation After Global Backlash to Sexualized Deepfakes
LONDON (AP) -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is preventing most users from generating or editing any images after a global backlash that erupted after it started spewing sexualized deepfakes of people. The chatbot, which is accessed through Musk's social media platform X, has in the past few weeks
[33]
The Grok AI Bikini Trend Is Undressing People Without Consent and It's Disgusting
Over the past weeks, a disturbing trend has exploded on X. Grok, the platform's in‑house AI, is openly used to generate explicit deepfakes of people whose photos are shared on the platform. This Grok AI bikini trend is turning out to be a massive harassment problem, which is turning up global
[34]
Musk's Grok chatbot restricts image generation after global backlash to sexualized deepfakes
LONDON -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is preventing most users from generating or editing any images after a global backlash that erupted after it started spewing sexualized deepfakes of people. The chatbot, which is accessed through Musk's social media platform X, has in the past few weeks been
[35]
Elon Musk's Grok faces global scrutiny for sexualised AI photos
Jan 9 (Reuters) - Governments and regulators from Europe to Asia have condemned and some have opened inquiries into sexually explicit content generated by Elon Musk's xAI chatbot Grok on X, putting pressure on the platform to show what it is doing to prevent and remove illegal content. Grok said
[36]
Elon Musk's Grok AI goes paid amid explicit image controversy: What we know
Experts say paywalls don't stop harm, as Elon Musk highlights rising Grok usage. Elon Musk's social media platform X is facing strong criticism after its artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, was found to be used to create sexualised and abusive image edits. The tool allowed users to digitally
[37]
Elon Musk falls victim to Grok's bikini trend on X, replies Perfect to AI-generated bikini image of himself
The trend has reopened debates on consent, online behaviour, and how easily AI tools can be misused without clear limits. Social media trends can suddenly emerge out of nowhere; though most of them are funny, some of them might take a disturbing turn. One such disturbing social media trend is
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Elon Musk's xAI chatbot Grok faces worldwide regulatory scrutiny after users exploited its AI image generation feature to create sexualized deepfakes and child sexual abuse material. X has partially restricted public access to the tool, limiting @grok replies to paying subscribers, though the feature remains available through other channels. Governments across Europe and Asia threaten enforcement action under online safety laws.
X Restricts Public Access to Grok's Image Tools Amid Controversy
Elon Musk's X has partially restricted access to Grok's AI image generation capabilities following intense global scrutiny for sexualised AI photos that flooded the platform. The Grok image generation feature, which previously allowed any X user to generate and edit images by tagging @grok in posts, now displays a message stating that "image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers"
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. However, the restriction only applies to public replies on X. Free users can still access the full image editing capabilities through the standalone Grok app, website, and the "Edit image" button available on every image displayed on X's desktop and mobile platforms2
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Source: Sky News
The change comes after users exploited the tool to upload photos of real people and generate sexualized or nude versions without consent, creating what the Financial Times dubbed "the deepfake porn site formerly known as Twitter." The undress tool enabled a flood of nonconsensual deepfake images targeting women, children, actors, models, and prominent figures
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. On January 2, Grok itself apologized for creating and sharing child sexual abuse material after safeguard lapses allowed the production of such illegal content3
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Source: Beebom
Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies Across Multiple Jurisdictions
Governments and regulators worldwide have launched investigations and threatened enforcement action against X and xAI. The European Commission extended a retention order on Thursday requiring X to preserve all internal documents and data related to Elon Musk's xAI chatbot until the end of 2026
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. Germany's media minister called for legal steps under the Digital Services Act, warning the problem risked becoming the "industrialisation of sexual harassment"5
.In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded the content "completely unacceptable" and stated that "all options are on the table," including a potential ban on government use of X
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. Ofcom warned that platforms failing to curb illegal or harmful content could face enforcement action and hefty fines under the Online Safety Act4
. The UK government has committed to banning nudification apps and will become the first country to make it illegal to possess, create, or distribute AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse material, with penalties of up to five years in prison4
.Asian Nations Demand Immediate Action on Content Moderation
India's IT Ministry sent X a formal notice on January 2, directing the platform to take down obscene sexualized deepfakes and requiring a report on actions taken within 72 hours, threatening the loss of safe harbor protections
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. Malaysia's communications regulator MCMC announced it would summon X and open an investigation, warning of potential offences under Section 233 of Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Act 19985
. Australia's eSafety regulator launched an investigation into digitally undressed sexualized images, assessing adult material under its image-based abuse scheme5
.Related Stories
Data Protection Concerns and User Safety Questions
The Information Commissioner's Office in the UK said it is investigating whether data protection laws were breached, particularly where images of real people were altered without their consent
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. Italy's data protection authority warned that using AI tools to create "undressed" deepfake imagery without consent could amount to serious privacy violations and criminal offences5
. X now requires Grok paying subscribers to share payment information and full names, potentially using this as identity authentication to better track users who create illegal imagery3
.Musk's Approach Contrasts With Industry Standards
Musk stated that "anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content," placing responsibility on users rather than implementing preventive guardrails
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. This approach of limiting access rather than constraining use contrasts sharply with other AI companies like Google and OpenAI, which impose strict guardrails on tools like Gemini and ChatGPT2
. Musk has reportedly opposed stricter guardrails personally, and several members of xAI's already sparse safety team quit in the lead up to the deluge of digital undressings2
. The Internet Watch Foundation questioned whether simply limiting access is sufficient, stating that "companies must make sure the products they build and make available to the global public are safe by design"3
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Source: Digit
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