X Paywalls Grok’s Image Tool After Deepfake Scandal as Global Scrutiny Intensifies

Overview

• X limited Grok’s image generation and editing on the platform to paying subscribers, displaying a notice that the features are reserved for verified accounts.
• European Commission officials labeled some Grok outputs illegal, ordered X to preserve all Grok interaction data through 2026, and opened formal scrutiny.
• UK authorities demanded rapid remedies under online safety rules, with ministers calling the paywall inadequate and Ofcom considering enforcement up to service restrictions.
• Three U.S. senators urged Apple and Google to remove X and Grok from their app stores until policy violations are addressed, citing non‑consensual sexual images involving women and minors.
• Critics note that some Grok access remains outside X’s paywall via independent channels, while xAI says it removes illegal content and will fix safeguards, and Elon Musk shared AI images of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the dispute escalated.