Grok’s Deepfake Image Feature Remains Free to Use

Elon Musk’s platform X has implemented partial restrictions on Grok’s image editing features in response to increasing criticism over the surge of nonconsensual, sexualized deepfakes involving both adults and minors. Currently, Grok no longer generates images as replies for free users, but its image editing tools remain accessible to all X users, allowing for the creation of both explicit and non-explicit images.

Previously, users could request Grok to edit or create images by tagging @grok in their tweets. Now, those attempting to do so receive an automated message indicating that “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers,” along with a prompt to subscribe to X’s paid services to access these features.

This message suggests that only paying users can utilize Grok for image editing or creation, a notion reinforced by various headlines claiming that xAI, the company behind Grok, has restricted these capabilities to a select group. However, this is misleading. All X users, including those on free accounts, can still use Grok for image editing and creation, including the controversial deepfakes that sparked the backlash.

Interacting with Grok via replies on X is just one of several methods to access the AI chatbot. The “Edit image” button remains functional for every image on X’s desktop site, and can also be accessed on the X app by long-pressing any image. Additionally, Grok is available through a standalone website or app, as well as a prominently featured tab in the X apps and website, all of which are accessible to free users without any extra steps compared to using the @grok command.

Testing with free accounts on the Grok website, app, and X tab showed that Grok readily complied with requests to edit or generate a variety of images, including explicit content.

The restrictions on X come after Grok has been used to create sexual images, primarily of women and minors. This issue has drawn significant attention, with some referring to X as “the deepfake porn site formerly known as Twitter.” The proliferation of deepfake content has sparked outrage among regulators globally, who have threatened action against X, although the legal status of such deepfakes remains ambiguous.

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that placing the deepfake generation behind a paywall is not a viable solution, calling it an insult to victims of misogyny and sexual violence. Musk and xAI have also indicated they may take action against users creating illegal content with Grok, rather than implementing measures to prevent such content from being generated in the first place.

X’s strategy of limiting access rather than enforcing stricter usage guidelines contrasts with approaches taken by other AI companies like Google and OpenAI, which typically impose stringent safeguards on their tools. Musk has reportedly opposed stricter regulations, and several members of xAI’s safety team have resigned amid the surge of digital content issues.

X has not provided any comments regarding these developments.