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Grok Blocks Image Generation for Non-Subscribers - Here's Why

Published January 9, 2026, 14:12
Grok Blocks Image Generation for Non-Subscribers - Here's Why

Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot of the X platform, has disabled the image generation feature for non-subscribing users in response to outrage over the creation of fake, sexually explicit images of women and minors. These images were created by editing photos and videos of real people, causing global reactions. The European Commission has imposed a provisional measure on the X platform, requiring the retention of all internal documents and data related to Grok until the end of 2026. This is due to concerns about the platform's compliance with online safety regulations. The EU has already imposed a fine of 120 million euros on the X platform for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). The British government has also called on the platform to urgently find a solution to prevent the spread of such images, describing the situation as “outrageous.” The disabling of the image generation feature only for non-subscribers has been criticized as insufficient and offensive to victims. The move is seen as simply turning a feature that allows the creation of illegal content into a premium service, without addressing the underlying problem of the spread of harmful images.