TL;DR
X has restricted Grok’s image-generation and editing features on its platform to paying subscribers after widespread criticism over the tool producing sexualized and nude images, including of children. The restriction does not apply to the separate Grok app, which at the time of publication remained accessible without a subscription.
What happened
X announced that only paying subscribers on the platform will be able to use Grok’s image-generation and editing features on X itself. The change followed a wave of public outcry after users exploited the feature to create sexualized and nude images of women, children, public figures and others. Previously, the capability had been available to any user on X with daily usage limits. X and Elon Musk publicly condemned the misuse and warned that individuals who create unlawful content with Grok would face the same consequences as if they uploaded illegal material directly to the platform. Regulators and governments in multiple jurisdictions raised concerns: the European Union asked xAI to preserve related documentation, India’s communications ministry directed X to fix the problem or risk losing safe-harbor protections, and the U.K. communications regulator said it had engaged with xAI. Notably, the company’s separate Grok app continued to allow image generation without a subscription at the time of reporting.
Why it matters
- Platforms face mounting pressure to prevent AI tools from enabling non-consensual or illegal imagery, raising content moderation challenges.
- Regulatory scrutiny is increasing across regions; governments may demand records, technical fixes, or could threaten legal protections for platforms.
- Divergent controls between a social platform and a standalone app highlight gaps in how companies govern the same AI capability across products.
- Decisions about access and enforcement set precedents for how commercial terms and safety policies interact in AI services.
Key facts
- X limited Grok’s image generation and editing on the X platform to paying subscribers only.
- The restriction announced for X does not apply to the standalone Grok app, which was allowing image generation without subscription at the time of publication.
- Grok’s image feature had earlier been available to any user on X with daily limits.
- Users exploited the tool to produce sexualized and nude images of women and children, as well as images of actors, models and public figures.
- X and Elon Musk publicly denounced the production of illegal content using Grok and warned of consequences for violators.
- The European Union requested that xAI retain all documentation related to the chatbot.
- India’s communications ministry ordered X to make immediate changes to stop misuse or risk losing safe-harbor protections in the country.
- The U.K. communications watchdog reported that it has been in contact with xAI over the issue.
What to watch next
- Whether the Grok app will be brought under the same subscriber-only limits as X: not confirmed in the source.
- If regulators will pursue formal penalties or additional enforcement actions against xAI or X: not confirmed in the source.
- Whether X will implement further technical or policy changes to prevent creation of non-consensual or sexualized images: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Grok: An AI chatbot and image-generation tool developed by xAI that has been integrated into X and is also offered as a separate app.
- xAI: The company behind Grok; referenced in regulatory requests and interactions described in reporting.
- Safe-harbor protections: Legal provisions that can shield online platforms from liability for user-generated content when certain conditions are met.
- Non-consensual imagery: Images of individuals created or distributed without their consent, which can include manipulated or synthetic sexualized content.
Reader FAQ
Is Grok’s image generation on X now behind a paywall?
Yes. X restricted image generation and editing with Grok on the X platform to paying subscribers.
Can anyone still use the Grok app to generate images?
At the time of publication, the Grok app was allowing image generation without a subscription.
Have governments reacted to Grok’s image-generation features?
Yes. The EU, India and the U.K. publicly raised concerns; the EU asked xAI to retain documentation and India ordered immediate changes or threatened safe-harbor loss.
Will X face legal penalties over this issue?
Not confirmed in the source.
IN BRIEF Posted: 5:59 AM PST · January 9, 2026 IMAGE CREDITS: JAAP ARRIENS/NURPHOTO (OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW) / GETTY IMAGES Ram Iyer X restricts Grok’s image generation to…
Sources
- X restricts Grok’s image generation to paying subscribers only after drawing the world’s ire
- Musk's AI bot Grok limits image generation on X to paid …
- Grok AI limits image generator function amid backlash over …
- Elon Musk's Grok AI image editing limited to paid X users …
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