X has restricted Grok’s image-editing features to paying subscribers after the tool was used to create non-consensual “digital undressing” deepfakes and other sexualised imagery, sparking public anger and regulatory scrutiny in the UK. UK officials have urged media regulator Ofcom to use its enforcement powers—up to and including an effective ban—if X cannot prevent harmful content. A child-safety charity said analysts also found apparent child sexual abuse material linked by users to Grok on a dark-web forum, intensifying pressure on X and the wider app ecosystem.

Highlights:

• App store pressure: WIRED reported that Apple and Google have previously removed standalone “nudify” apps, but continue to list X and Grok despite reports the chatbot has been used to generate sexualised images of adults and apparent minors.
• Prime minister intervenes: The Financial Times reported UK prime minister Keir Starmer said the images were “simply not tolerable” and vowed action against X as political pressure mounted alongside the regulatory response.
• Feature switch-off: The Guardian reported Grok switched off its image-creation function for most users, while keeping some capabilities available more narrowly, following outcry and threats of fines or other regulatory action.
• Legal grey areas: The Guardian said UK law has tools that may apply, including the Online Safety Act, but it described uncertainty over how existing rules address non-consensual AI “nudified” images and noted the government has not introduced a specific ban on nudifying apps.

Perspectives:

• UK government: Ministers described the spread of sexualised AI imagery as unacceptable and pushed for strong enforcement, with the prime minister pledging action and officials urging Ofcom to use its full powers if needed. (Financial Times)
• Ofcom (UK regulator): The regulator is being pressed to treat the issue as a compliance test for platforms under UK online-safety rules, including potential use of severe measures if X cannot prevent harmful deepfakes. (BBC News)
• X / Grok (platform response): X limited Grok image-editing tools to paid users and, according to reporting, curtailed image generation for most users as it faced backlash and regulatory threats. (BBC News)
• Internet Watch Foundation (charity): The charity said analysts found apparent child sexual imagery on a dark-web forum that users claimed was created with Grok, raising concerns about safeguards for generative tools. (BBC News)

Sources:

• Elon Musk's Grok AI image editing limited to paid X users after deepfakes - bbc.com
• Grok turns off image generator for most users after outcry over sexualised AI imagery - theguardian.com
• Why Are Grok and X Still Available in App Stores? - wired.com
• Starmer vows action against X over Grok’s AI sexualised images of children - ft.com
• Elon Musk's Grok AI image editing limited to paid users after deepfakes - BBC - google.com