Social media giant X, owned by Elon Musk, has gated its controversial Grok AI image editing tool behind a subscription paywall, restricting free access amid global uproar over abusive deepfake creations.
Origins of the Outrage
The unrestricted Grok feature allowed anyone to alter photos into explicit content, targeting celebrities, politicians, and ordinary users, including minors, without safeguards. Victims reported severe emotional distress from viral manipulated images spreading rapidly on the platform.
Regulatory Crackdown
UK authorities, including Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office, are probing X for potential breaches of online safety and data laws, with threats of fines or bans. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the content “dehumanising” and demanded urgent action.
New Subscription Model
Only X Premium users—those paying for verified status—can now generate or edit images via Grok on the platform, with a clear message for others: “Subscribe to unlock.” This shift aims to link abuse to traceable accounts while preserving access elsewhere.
Future Outlook
AI ethicists warn that paywalls alone won’t stop harms, pushing for better content moderation. X faces mounting pressure as similar tools from rivals like OpenAI impose stricter limits from the outset.
