Elon Musk limits Grok AI image editing to paid X accounts after deepfakes

Elon Musk’s social platform X (formerly Twitter) has restricted image editing features within its AI chatbot Grok to paid subscribers only, following strong criticism over the creation of sexualised deepfakes.

The decision comes after widespread backlash when users discovered Grok could digitally alter images of real people, including requests to undress individuals without their consent.

Critics warned that the tool was being misused to generate harmful and abusive content.

As per the new limits, the AI chatbot now tells users requesting such image edits that the feature is available only to paid accounts, meaning their name and payment details must be registered.

However, non-paying users can still access image editing tools through Grok’s standalone app and website.

Notably, Professor Clare McGlynn, an expert in the legal regulation of pornography, sexual violence, and online abuse, has criticised the move, saying it does little to address the core issue.

She argued that instead of preventing abuse, access has simply been withdrawn from most users.

Similarly, Hannah Swirsky, head of policy at the Internet Watch Foundation, said the change “does not undo the harm which has been done.”

The controversy has also drawn political attention, with the UK government urging Ofcom to consider strong action against X.