X restricts Grok’s image generation to paying subscribers only after drawing the world’s ire

X has restricted Grok’s image-generation feature to paying subscribers only, following widespread global backlash over the tool’s ability to generate sexualized and nude images of women and children.

The move comes after Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI, faced significant criticism for allowing users to create non-consensual, explicit images. In replies to users on Friday, Grok stated that only paying subscribers on X would be able to generate and edit images using the platform. These new limits do not apply to the standalone Grok app, which, at the time of publication, still allowed users to generate images without a paid subscription.

Previously, Grok’s image-generation feature was available to anyone with daily usage limits. The tool allowed users to upload photos of individuals and request edits or generate sexualized or nude versions of those images. This capability led to a surge of non-consensual sexualized images involving children, actors, models, and public figures, triggering strong reactions from governments and regulators around the world.

Both X and Elon Musk have publicly condemned the misuse of the tool, stating that the company would enforce its policies against illegal content. “Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content,” Musk wrote in a post last week.

Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2026

The backlash has drawn international scrutiny. The European Union, the United Kingdom, and India have all publicly criticized X and Grok for enabling such content. On Thursday, the EU asked xAI to retain all documentation related to the chatbot. India’s communications ministry last week ordered X to immediately implement changes to prevent misuse of its image-generation feature, or risk losing its safe-harbour protections in the country. The U.K.’s communications regulator also confirmed it has been in contact with xAI regarding the issue.

Limiting Grok’s image-generation tools to paying subscribers marks X’s most significant step to date in responding to the controversy, as regulatory pressure on AI-generated content continues to intensify worldwide.