Musk’s Grok chatbot restricts image generation after global backlash

By KELVIN CHAN, AP Business Writer

LONDON (AP) — Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is now limiting image editing features to paying subscribers following a global outcry over the creation of sexualized deepfakes. However, this move has not appeased authorities in Europe.

In recent weeks, researchers have noted an increase in malicious image modification requests on Grok, with some images depicting women in inappropriate positions, including instances involving children. This sparked widespread condemnation and investigations by governments worldwide.

As of Friday, Grok is now displaying a message to non-paying users stating, “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features.” This change has resulted in a decrease in explicit deepfakes generated by Grok.

Although the platform still processes image requests, only X users with premium subscriptions are granted access, indicated by blue checkmarks. Despite these restrictions, European leaders and regulators remain unsatisfied with the response from Grok.

The European Commission’s spokesman, Thomas Regnier, reiterated the EU’s stance against such images, regardless of subscription status. Similarly, the British government, through spokesman Geraint Ellis, criticized Grok’s actions as inadequate and insulting to victims of abuse.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously threatened action against X, emphasizing the need for immediate removal of offensive material. Both UK media and privacy regulators have reached out to X and Musk’s company xAI for compliance information.

Internationally, France, Malaysia, India, and Brazil are also investigating Grok, with the European Commission ordering X to retain all relevant data until the end of 2026 under digital safety laws. Grok, a free service for X users, was launched in 2023 and introduced an image generator feature last summer.

The controversy surrounding Grok is heightened by Musk’s positioning of the chatbot as a more daring alternative to other platforms, coupled with the public visibility of its generated images. Regulatory scrutiny and demands for swift action continue to mount.

AP writers Jill Lawless in London and Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.