Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Grok's Image Tool Restricted After Inappropriate Use
There's a problem with an AI tool called Grok on the social media platform X. Some people used it to create bad and inappropriate pictures of women and children.
Because of this, the tool's owner, Elon Musk, decided that only people who pay for the service can use the picture-making part of Grok.
This is to stop people from making bad pictures.
The tool was used to make thousands of bad pictures every hour, and some of these pictures were found on the dark web.
The UK, the European Union, and now US Senators are also involved, saying these pictures are illegal and disgraceful.
Musk said that anyone using Grok to make illegal pictures will be punished.
Additionally, US Senators have asked Apple and Google to remove the X and Grok apps from their App Stores until the issues are addressed.
Grok's image-generation tool on X is now limited to paid subscribers due to misuse.
The tool gained notoriety for generating sexualized images of women and children.
Thousands of inappropriate images were generated per hour, many without consent.
The Internet Watch Foundation found criminal images on the dark web allegedly generated by Grok.
The EU ordered X to retain internal documents, the UK Prime Minister condemned the images, and US Senators asked Apple and Google to remove X and Grok apps.
- Who
- Elon Musk's XAI, X users, and US Senators (Ron Wyden, Ed Markey, Ben Ray Luján)
- What
- Restriction of Grok's image-generation tool to paid users and potential removal of X and Grok apps from Apple and Google App Stores
- When
- As of Friday, January 9, 2026, and ongoing
- Where
- On the social media platform X and Apple and Google App Stores
- Why
- Due to the tool's misuse in generating inappropriate and illegal images, and growing criticism over nonconsensual image generation
User Freedom Advocates
Safety Advocates
Access to Image Generation
User Freedom Advocates
Believe restricting image generation to paid users limits creative freedom and unfairly penalizes all users for the actions of a few.
Safety Advocates
Support the restriction as a necessary measure to prevent misuse and protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors.
- Platform
- X (formerly Twitter)
- AI Tool
- Grok
- Restriction
- Image generation limited to paid subscribers
- Notorious Use
- Generating sexualized images of women and children
- Regulatory Action
- EU ordered X to retain internal documents; UK Prime Minister condemned the images; US Senators asked Apple and Google to remove X and Grok apps
- Musk's Statement
- Illegal content use will face consequences
Sources
'Make Her Into Obese ORC With Down Syndrome': How AI Prompts on X's Grok Cross a Line — And What That Says About Us
X App Could Be Banned In Britain Over AI Chatbot Row
Musk’s Grok limits image generation to paid users on X
India cracks down on AI chatbot Grok: Deepfake and AI safety risks explained
Factbox-Elon Musk’s Grok faces global scrutiny for sexualised AI photos
India’s laws as they are now cannot hold Grok accountable
Grok’s AI image generator blocked for general X users after massive backlash
Apple and Google asked to take down X and Grok apps over ‘sickening’ image generation: here's what you should know
Democratic US Senators Demand Apple, Google Take X and Grok Off App Stores Over Sexual Images
