Grok is now charging for image generation following international backlash

Grok, the AI chatbot from Elon Musk’s xAI, has restricted its image generation capabilities to paying X subscribers after weeks of international outrage over the tool being used to create sexualised and violent imagery of women and children without their consent.

The change happened sometime between Thursday and Friday of last week. Now, Grok’s official X account tells free users that “image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers.” So if you want to create AI images on X now, you’ll need to cough up for that blue checkmark.

Sexualised AI imagery on X leads to outcry

This restriction only applies to one specific way people interact with Grok on X — tagging it in posts to request image generation. Users can still access the “edit image” button that appears on uploaded photos, and the standalone Grok Imagine app and website remain free to use.

Research from AI Forensics, a Paris-based nonprofit, found around 800 images and videos on that separate platform containing what they described as “fully pornographic” and “professional-looking” content.

The UK government has been particularly vocal about all this. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the content “disgraceful” and “disgusting,” demanding that X “get a grip” of the situation.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall went further, saying she would support Ofcom using its powers under the Online Safety Act to block X entirely in the UK if the platform refuses to comply with local laws. Those powers include seeking court orders to prevent the site from being accessed or raising money in the country.

Downing Street wasn’t impressed with the paid-only solution either, calling it “insulting” to victims and pointing out that this essentially “turns an AI feature that allows the creation of unlawful images into a premium service.”

Musk, for his part, responded by accusing the UK government of wanting “any excuse for censorship.”