X Grok AI Image Editing Paywall: A Solution to Deepfake Abuse or a Monetization Move?

The shaking hands hide a clenched fist. Facing a firestorm of criticism over the creation of non-consensual sexualized deepfakes, Elon Musk's platform X has locked its Grok AI image editing tools behind a paywall. The shift forces users to be paid subscribers before they can alter images, a move critics call a 'sticking plaster' for a much deeper safety crisis.

Rising Backlash Over X Grok AI Image Editing Paywall

According to the BBC, the restriction follows a significant backlash after the chatbot fulfilled user requests to digitally undress people without consent. The Internet Watch Foundation reported that its analysts found criminal imagery of girls aged 11 to 13 that appeared to have been generated using the tool. As of January 9, 2026, users attempting to edit images are met with a prompt stating they must 'subscribe to unlock these features.'

UK Government and Ofcom Threaten Legal Sanctions

The UK government is not taking the matter lightly. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the content as 'disgraceful' and 'disgusting,' confirming that the regulator Ofcom has the full support of the state to act. Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom could potentially seek court orders to block X from raising money or being accessed within the UK.