In a move aimed at containing scrutiny following a backlash over illicit content, Elon Musk-owned X has restricted the image-editing capabilities of its AI chatbot Grok to paid subscribers.
Grok, while responding to users on X said that the feature to edit or generate images are limited to paid subscribers. As a result, only users with verified paid accounts, whose names and payment details are on file, can access image editing directly on the platform.
Grok has been under public and regulatory probe for generating obscene and sexually explicit content circulated on social media platform X.
Under the new policy, ordinary users attempting to use the image capabilities have been met with a message stating, “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features.” This ties access to Grok’s image tools directly to X’s premium membership.
Global Regulatory Heat and the MeitY Ultimatum
Governments and regulators across Europe, UK, India, and other regions have condemned the surge of harmful content. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the deepfakes as disgraceful and unlawful signalling potential regulatory action against X under local safety laws.
Grok was fulfilling user prompts to alter or undress photos without consent, sometimes depicting women and children in sexualized scenarios.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had, on January 2, issued a strongly worded notice to X flagging what it described as serious failures in preventing the generation and circulation of obscene and sexually explicit content involving women through Grok.
While the paid access restriction seeks to place some accountability and restriction on users, the standalone Grok app still allows broader image generation. Regulators are watching closely, with UK’s communications regulator Ofcom and other authorities assessing X’s violation of local online safety obligations.
Safe Harbour at Risk: Legal Consequences for X
Meanwhile, MeitY plans to revoke the social media intermediary’s safe harbour status under Section 79 of the IT Act.