After Sexualised Deepfake Backlash, Grok Restricts NSFW Image Tools For Free Users; Europe Unhappy

Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 19:56 IST

Grok was still granting image requests but only from the premium subscriber who pay $8 a month for features including higher usage limits for the chatbot.

A representative image for Grok (AP)

In a major update, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, is now preventing non-subscribers from generating or editing images. The move comes after Grok faced global backlash over sexualised deepfakes of people. However, authorities in Europe are not satisfied with the change.

As per a report by AP, Grok is now responding to the image-altering requests with the message: “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features."

The chatbot, accessible via Musk’s social media platform X, recently allowed users to make malicious requests to alter images, including placing women in bikinis or explicit poses. This update faced global outrage.

Alarmingly, some altered images reportedly depicted children, prompting worldwide condemnation and investigations into the platform. Governments reacted strongly, with the European Union labelling Grok’s actions as “illegal" and “appalling," and officials in countries such as France, India, Malaysia, and Brazil calling for thorough probes.

Leaders and authorities in Europe are unsatisfied with the update as paying subscribers can still use the image generation feature.

“This doesn’t change our fundamental issue. Paid subscription or non-paid subscription, we don’t want to see such images. It’s as simple as that," Thomas Regnier, a spokesman for the European Union’s executive Commission, was quoted as saying by AP.

On Thursday, Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, threatened unspecified action against X.

“This is disgraceful. It’s disgusting. And it’s not to be tolerated," Starmer said on Greatest Hits radio. “X has got to get a grip of this." He said media regulator Ofcom “has our full support to take action" and that “all options" are on the table.

“It’s disgusting. X needs to get their act together and get this material down. We will take action on this because it’s simply not tolerable."

Ofcom and Britain’s privacy regulator both said this week they’ve contacted X and Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, for information on measures they’ve taken to comply with British regulations.

News tech After Sexualised Deepfake Backlash, Grok Restricts NSFW Image Tools For Free Users; Europe Unhappy

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