TEXAS, America — Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has restricted image generation and editing features on its Grok chatbot after global criticism over the creation of non-consensual sexualized images, including those involving women and minors.
The company said the image tools will now be available only to paid subscribers on Musk’s social media platform, X, formerly Twitter. The decision follows reports that Grok was used to digitally alter photos of women without their consent, often placing them in bikinis, underwear or sexually suggestive scenes.
The controversy surfaced in late December 2025, when users discovered Grok could be prompted to “undress” or sexualize images shared publicly on X. Reuters and the BBC documented multiple cases in which women found altered versions of their photos appearing in replies to their posts.
In Kenya and Nigeria, women journalists and activists have reported being targeted with AI-generated sexual images meant to shame or silence them online. For Uganda, where there is weak regulation of artificial intelligence, AI images could expose women and children to abuse.
A Reuters investigation found that about 2% of sampled Grok-generated images between Dec. 25, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026, appeared to depict minors. Some images showed young girls in revealing clothing, raising concerns about child sexual abuse material.
The problem was worsened by Grok’s so-called “spicy mode,” which allowed adult-themed content with limited safeguards. Analysts noted the system did not reliably block prompts involving people who appeared under 18.
Governments in Europe and Asia reacted swiftly. France called for possible criminal investigations. India demanded explanations from X. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the images as “disgraceful and unacceptable” and directed media regulator Ofcom to review whether X had violated the Online Safety Act.
Ofcom said it contacted both X and xAI to assess compliance with laws banning child sexual abuse material. While no ban has been imposed, British officials said all options remain on the table, including fines or blocking access.
The European Union is also investigating X under the Digital Services Act, which allows penalties of up to 6% of global revenue for serious violations.
xAI and X say their rules prohibit pornographic depictions and non-consensual content. However, critics argue enforcement came too late and that paywalling the tool does not fully address the risks.
Under the new policy announced Jan. 8, 2026, only X Premium subscribers — starting at about $8 a month — can access Grok’s image editing features. The company says it will increase monitoring, suspend violating accounts and cooperate with law enforcement.
xAI has also hinted at future updates to improve age verification and consent checks, though it has not shared details or timelines.
Digital rights advocates in Africa say stronger safeguards are urgently needed. They warn that without clear consent rules and regional regulation, AI tools could worsen online gender-based violence and exploitation of minors.
Musk, who has described himself as a free speech absolutist, has criticized strict content moderation laws, including those in the UK. But analysts say the Grok controversy could push more governments, including African states, to introduce laws criminalizing non-consensual AI-generated images.
X and xAI did not respond to further requests for comment by press time.
The situation remains under review as regulators worldwide weigh how to balance innovation in artificial intelligence with public safety and human dignity.
