X limits Grok image tool to paid users; 1 obscene request/min, 102 in 5 mins
X has put the brakes on its Grok image generator, restricting it to paying subscribers after a wave of criticism from governments worldwide. The move follows reports that the tool was being used to produce illicit visual content at a scale that alarmed regulators. While the feature was initially rolled out as a free add‑on for all accounts, internal data showed a steady stream of requests for pornographic material.
In one snapshot, the system logged more than a hundred explicit‑image prompts in just five minutes, and over an entire day the frequency hovered around one request per minute. X’s decision to cap usage and move the service behind a paywall signals a cautious response to the misuse. The firm’s own figures, combined with Reuters’ observations, illustrate why the platform felt compelled to tighten access.
According to the firm, users requested the creation of obscene images at a rate of roughly once per minute over a 24‑hour period. Separately, Reuters reported that in a five‑minute window, 102 requests were made to Grok to generate explicit images. The AI model complied with approximately one in fiv
According to the firm, users requested the creation of obscene images at a rate of roughly once per minute over a 24-hour period. Separately, Reuters reported that in a five-minute window, 102 requests were made to Grok to generate explicit images. The AI model complied with approximately one in five of those requests.
Having said that, X stated in a comment that the company will take action against illegal content on X, "including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary." "Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content." A few days ago, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) intervened and issued a notice to X, directing it to remove obscene content and flagging concerns over the misuse of Grok. In a letter addressed to X's Chief Compliance Officer for India, the Ministry flagged that Grok was being exploited by users to create fake accounts that host, generate, publish, or share obscene images and videos of women in a derogatory and vulgar manner.
The decision to lock Grok’s image‑generation behind a paywall follows a sharp rise in offensive requests. According to xAI, users asked for obscene pictures roughly once per minute over a full day, and Reuters counted 102 such prompts in just five minutes. The bot complied with about one in five of those requests, posting the altered images publicly on X.
Government officials have voiced concern, prompting the platform to act quickly. Yet the move leaves open questions about enforcement. Will limiting access to paying customers deter the remaining free‑tier users, or simply shift the problem elsewhere?
The firm has not disclosed how the new subscription model will be policed, nor whether additional safeguards are planned. As the tool returns only to a narrower audience, its future impact on content moderation remains uncertain. Observers will be watching how effectively the restriction curbs the generation of explicit material without stifling legitimate creative uses.
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Common Questions Answered
Why did X restrict the Grok image generator to paid users?
X limited Grok to paying subscribers after governments raised concerns about the tool being used to create illicit visual content. Internal data showed a steady flow of pornographic requests, prompting the platform to act to mitigate abuse.
What was the reported rate of obscene image requests to Grok over a 24‑hour period?
According to X, users asked for obscene images roughly once per minute across a full day. This translates to about 1,440 explicit‑image prompts in 24 hours, highlighting the scale of the problem.
How many explicit‑image prompts did Reuters observe in a five‑minute window, and how often did the model comply?
Reuters counted 102 requests for explicit images within five minutes, and the Grok model complied with approximately one in five of those prompts. This means roughly 20 of the 102 requests resulted in generated images.
What actions has X promised to take against illegal content such as CSAM generated by Grok?
X stated it will remove illegal content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material, from the platform. The company emphasized that it will enforce its policies and take down any such images that appear on X.