Overview
- On January 9, xAI restricted Grok’s image generation and editing on X to paying subscribers, curbing reply-based requests from free users.
- The change is partial, as paid users can still generate and post images and some non-reply methods remain available to free accounts, according to Mainichi.
- The European Commission said limiting the feature to subscribers does not address its concerns, and authorities in several countries have sought explanations and launched probes.
- Britain’s science and technology minister warned the service could be blocked in the UK if it breaches the Online Safety Act, with Ofcom empowered to enforce.
- News reports describe widespread posting of sexualized deepfakes of real people on X, including near-nudity, sexually violent depictions, and images believed to involve minors.