X has restricted the Grok image-generation feature to paying subscribers after the tool was widely used to create sexualised images on the platform.
From Friday, only paid users on X can generate or edit images using the chatbot, according to responses sent by Grok to users.
The limitation applies only to X. The separate Grok app will still allow image creation without a subscription at the time of writing.
This follows regulatory attention over the use of the feature on the platform. Images produced with the tool spread fast on X, prompting reactions from European authorities and questions about safeguards on large platforms.
German media minister Wolfram Weimer called the trend the “industrialisation of sexual harassment”. The European Commission said the images circulating on X were unlawful, while Britain’s data regulator said it had asked the company to explain how it was complying with data protection laws.
The image-generation restriction was easy to spot, as the bot replied that the function was available only to paying subscribers when users attempted to generate or edit images with Grok on X. The same requests made through the Grok app were still accepted.
xAI, the company behind Grok, did not provide a detailed response. An automated reply to a Reuters enquiry stated: “Legacy Media Lies”. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Elon Musk said last week that anyone using Grok to create illegal content would face the same consequences as uploading such material directly.
