Twitter/X has moved to restrict Grok’s generative image editing capabilities, limiting access exclusively to xAI subscribers after the feature was misused to create non-consensual NSFW deepfake images. The decision comes amid growing global scrutiny over AI-generated content and its potential for abuse, particularly involving manipulated images of private individuals and public figures.
The platform, officially known as Xconfirmed that image editing tools powered by Grok will now be available only to paying users subscribed to xAI’s services. This move is aimed at adding a stronger layer of accountability and reducing large-scale misuse by anonymous or throwaway accounts.
Grok’s image editing feature, which allowed users to modify and generate highly realistic visuals, gained popularity soon after launch. However, reports began surfacing on social media forums and moderation channels about the tool being exploited to create explicit deepfake images without consent. Such misuse raised serious concerns around privacy violations, harassment, and the ethical boundaries of generative AI.
By placing the feature behind a subscription paywall, X is attempting to balance innovation with responsibility. Paid access introduces user traceability and friction, which the company believes can act as a deterrent against malicious use. The platform is also expected to strengthen content moderation signals and improve detection systems for AI-generated abuse.
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