Elon Musk’s platform X has limited its AI image editing tool, Grok, to paying subscribers following widespread criticism over the creation of sexualized deepfakes.
The decision comes after users were able to prompt Grok to digitally undress people without their consent, generating images involving both adults and minors. The BBC reported that criminal imagery of girls aged 11 to 13 appeared to have been produced using the AI tool.
Now, only subscribers with payment details on file can access Grok’s image generation and editing features, while non-subscribers must use Grok via a separate app or website.
Experts criticized the move as insufficient. Professor Clare McGlynn said limiting access mirrors Musk’s previous approach to pornographic deepfakes of public figures, and it does not prevent harm. Hannah Swirsky, from the Internet Watch Foundation, added that “sitting and waiting for unsafe products to be abused before taking action is unacceptable.”
UK authorities, including Ofcom, are examining whether X violated online safety laws. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the generation of sexualized AI imagery “disgraceful” and stated that all regulatory options should be considered, including an effective ban on the platform.
Users and advocates argue that Grok requires a complete redesign with ethical safeguards to prevent misuse, and that simply limiting access to paying subscribers is only a temporary measure.
