Grok Limits Image Generation to Paid Subscribers Amid Deepfake Controversy

Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has limited its image generation and editing capabilities to paying subscribers after facing international criticism for producing sexualized deepfake images of women and minors. The chatbot, accessible through Musk's social media platform X, had been used to create and share non-consensual explicit images, prompting investigations by governments worldwide.

On Friday, Grok responded to image alteration requests with the message: "Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features." Despite this restriction, the standalone Grok website and app reportedly still allow free users to generate images after confirming their age.

European authorities remain unsatisfied with the changes. Thomas Regnier, a spokesperson for the European Commission, stated, "This doesn't change our fundamental issue. Paid subscription or non-paid subscription, we don't want to see such images. It's as simple as that." Similarly, Geraint Ellis, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, described the move as "not a solution," adding that it is "insulting to the victims of misogyny and sexual violence."

The European Commission has ordered X to retain all internal documents and data related to Grok until the end of 2026 as part of a broader investigation under the EU's digital safety ... Other countries, including France, Malaysia, India, and Brazil, are also scrutinizing the platform's actions.

Grok, launched in 2023, introduced an image generator feature called Grok Imagine last summer, which included a "spicy mode" capable of generating adult content. The chatbot's ability to produce and publicly share explicit images has intensified concerns about the misuse of AI technology and the need for stricter regulatory measures.