Elon Musk’s company xAI has limited the image generation feature of its chatbot Grok, requiring users to subscribe to a premium plan following widespread misuse and criticism.
The feature, which allowed users to create and edit images through simple prompts, drew major backlash after reports showed nearly 50 percent of generated images were sexually explicit or violent.
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Many users exploited Grok to remove clothing from images or replace outfits with inappropriate attire, raising ethical concerns and prompting international calls to restrict or ban the AI platform.
In response, xAI announced that image generation is now restricted, displaying a message stating, “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers,” with a link to upgrade for premium access.
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Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and European Union have launched investigations into the platform, with authorities threatening potential shutdowns due to failure to prevent misuse and safeguard users from harmful content.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the misuse, calling it “disgraceful” and instructing the communications regulator Ofcom to consider all measures to prevent further harm from the platform.