Archive · 10 Jan 2026
X Restricts Grok Image Editing After Global Backlash
X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has limited its AI tool Grok's image editing feature to paying subscribers.
This change comes after criticism for allowing users to create non-consensual sexually explicit photos.
The Indian government sent a notice to X for non-compliance with the IT Act, and the UK government asked its regulator to consider a ban on X. The EU also ordered X to retain all internal documents related to Grok.
Elon Musk acknowledged the lapses but downplayed the issue, saying responsibility lies with the users.
Non-subscribers can still use Grok for image editing on its separate app and website.
Germany is also planning measures to combat harmful AI image manipulation.
X limits Grok's image editing feature to paying subscribers after global backlash over obscene AI images.
Non-subscribers can still use Grok for image editing on its separate app and website.
Indian government sent a notice to X for non-compliance with IT Act.
UK government asked regulator Ofcom to consider a ban on X.
EU ordered X to retain all internal documents related to Grok.
- Who
- X (formerly Twitter) and its AI tool Grok
- What
- Restriction of image editing feature to paying subscribers
- When
- After backlash in January 2026
- Where
- X platform and separate Grok app and website
- Why
- To prevent misuse and creation of non-consensual sexually explicit photos
- Grok
- AI tool on X platform for image editing and responses
- Image Editing Restrictions
- Limited to paying subscribers on X platform
- Non-Subscribers
- Can still use Grok for image editing on separate app and website
- Indian Government Action
- Sent notice to X for non-compliance with IT Act
- UK Government Action
- Asked regulator Ofcom to consider ban on X
- EU Action
- Ordered X to retain all internal documents related to Grok
- Elon Musk's Response
- Acknowledged lapses, downplayed user responsibility
- Germany's Response
- Plans measures to combat harmful AI image manipulation
Sources
Mother Of Musk's Child Claims Her X Subscription Revoked After Criticising Grok Chatbot
Musk-led X puts limit to editing with its AI tool Grok after backlash
X’s Grok limits image generation feature to paid users on social media platform
Grok Turns Off Image Creation Feature For Non-Payers After Deepfake Backlash
Musk's Grok chatbot restricts image generation after global backlash to sexualised deepfakes
Musk’s AI bot Grok limits image generation on X to paid users after backlash
How the world reacted to Grok’s sexually explicit AI content: Condemnation to crackdown
Elon Musk's Grok restricts image-making tool for X users after global backlash over obscene AI images
Germany plans measures to combat harmful AI image manipulation
Musk’s AI bot Grok limits some image generation on X after backlash
Grok restricts free images amid deepfake storm; India says move falls short – What went wrong?
Elon Musk’s xAI tightens Grok image controls on X after sexualised content row
Elon Musk's AI Bot Grok Limits Some Image Generation on X After Backlash
Elon Musk’s ‘exactly’ on Grok sexualised deepfakes revives debate on AI, consent, responsibility - Telegraph India
Indonesia Temporarily Blocks Grok Over Sexualised Images
Grok deepfake controversy: Indonesia becomes first country to block Elon Musk's AI chatbot over ‘digital violence’
Indonesia becomes first country to block xAI’s Grok over deepfake content
Elon Musk speaks out as Grok faces global backlash over sexualized AI images
Grok under fire: Indonesia temporarily blocks xAI chatbot amid deepfake concerns
Indonesia becomes first country to block Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, here’s why
