Islamabad/London, January 9, 2026 – Elon Musk’s xAI has limited the image generation and editing features of its Grok AI chatbot on the social media platform X to paid subscribers only, following intense international criticism over the tool’s role in creating non-consensual sexualized images, including depictions of women and children.
Backlash Over Non-Consensual and Harmful Content
The controversy erupted in late December 2025 when users discovered they could prompt Grok to digitally “undress” or sexualize real people in photos posted on X, often without consent.
This led to a flood of semi-nude or suggestive images circulating on the platform, prompting accusations of enabling the “industrialisation of sexual harassment.”
German media minister Wolfram Weimer condemned the phenomenon, while the European Commission described such images as “unlawful and appalling.” Britain’s data regulator Ofcom made urgent contact with X, and European lawmakers called for potential legal action.
Reports highlighted thousands of such requests per hour, raising concerns over deepfakes, child exploitation, and violations of privacy laws. xAI acknowledged “lapses in safeguards” in earlier statements but emphasized that users creating illegal content would face consequences equivalent to direct uploads.
Subscription Model as Response to Criticism
As of January 9, 2026, users attempting to generate or edit images via Grok on X now receive a message stating: “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers,” directing them to upgrade.
This requires providing name and payment details, potentially deterring anonymous misuse. However, the standalone Grok app and website continue to offer unrestricted image generation.
xAI responded to media inquiries with an automated message dismissing “Legacy Media Lies,” while Elon Musk previously warned against illegal use.
The change aims to address regulatory scrutiny from Europe and the UK, where threats of bans or enforcement actions loom, though critics argue it merely monetizes rather than fully resolves the issue.