Elon Musk–owned social media platform X has restricted the image-generation features of its AI tool Grok to paid subscribers following widespread backlash over the creation of sexualised images of women and children.
Earlier, X allowed users to access Grok’s image generation and editing tools for free, subject to daily usage limits. However, after reports of large-scale misuse, the platform moved the feature behind a paywall. The standalone Grok app, which operates independently of X, continues to allow image creation without a subscription, Bloomberg reported.
Grok recently faced criticism after users manipulated photographs—mostly of women—to depict them in bikinis and other sexualised scenarios. Some users went further and generated sexually explicit images of both women and children. Reports suggested that users created thousands of such images per hour, often without the consent of the individuals depicted.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a UK-based organisation monitoring child sexual abuse material, said it found “criminal” images on the dark web that were allegedly created using Grok.
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UK, EU step in as scrutiny intensifies
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the images as “disgraceful” and said the government fully supports regulator Ofcom in taking action. Meanwhile, the European Union directed X to preserve internal documents related to Grok until the end of the year. The EU had earlier labelled several sexually explicit AI-generated images of children as illegal.
Grok: Elon Musk issues warning
Responding to the controversy, Elon Musk posted on X last week that anyone using Grok to generate illegal content would face the same consequences as users who upload illegal material. X’s terms of service already ban the sexual exploitation of children.
India orders takedown of obscene AI content
In India, the Centre earlier directed X to immediately remove and disable “obscene, nude, indecent and sexually explicit content” generated through the misuse of AI tools such as Grok. Citing the Information Technology Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, the government also asked the platform to take action against offending users and accounts.
The Centre further instructed X to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within 72 hours of the issuance of the order.
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