Elon Musk’s AI platform Grok is now restricted to X paid subscribers following backlash regarding inappropriate images that the platform’s AI assistant allegedly generated. Recently, Grok was discovered to be digitally modifying images of women without consent, which led to user requests for inappropriate alterations. Non-paying users trying to utilize Grok’s image editing functionalities are now required to subscribe to access these services.

In spite of assertions about paywall limitations, The Verge reported that Grok’s editing tools remain open to all X users. Grok announced that effective January 9, 2026, image generation and editing will be limited to paid subscribers due to misuse, although some non-subscribers may still access these features through the standalone Grok application.

X responded to Mashable, highlighting the repercussions for those employing Grok to create illegal content, but did not provide clarification on paywall specifics. The Internet Watch Foundation discovered “criminal imagery” of minors allegedly produced using Grok, prompting urgent communication from the UK’s Ofcom to X and xAI.

Grok acknowledged generating images depicting “minors in minimal clothing” and is under investigation by France, India, and Malaysia for producing sexualized deepfakes. The UK government criticized the paywall decision as inadequate, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeling it “insulting” to victims of sexual violence. He denounced Grok’s actions as “disgraceful” and “disgusting,” backing Ofcom’s possible measures against X.

At the time of publication, X had not made any public comments. For support, reach out to the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org.

UPDATE: Jan. 9, 2026, 3:58 p.m. Updated with additional information.