Aysu Bicer
January 09, 2026•Update: January 10, 2026
LONDON
The UK government on Friday condemned a decision by Elon Musk's X to restrict its AI image creation tool to paying subscribers, saying the move simply turns the ability to generate unlawful images into a premium service.
The image tool for Grok, the artificial intelligence element of US-based social media company X, has been at the center of widespread anger after it was used to manipulate thousands of images of women – and sometimes children – to remove their clothing or place them in sexual positions.
Grok announced on Friday that the ability to generate and edit images would be “limited to paying subscribers.”
Those who pay are required to provide personal details, meaning they could potentially be identified if the function was misused.
However, Downing Street said the change did not go far enough.
“The move simply turns an AI feature that allows the creation of unlawful images into a premium service,” a spokesperson said.
“It’s not a solution. In fact, it’s insulting to victims of misogyny and sexual violence. What it does prove is that X can move swiftly when it wants to do so. You heard the prime minister yesterday. He was abundantly clear that X needs to act, and needs to act now. It is time for X to grip this issue.” he added.
'Despicable, abhorrent'
In a statement later Friday, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall condemned the continued availability of the image manipulation tool, warning that the government is prepared to back tough regulatory action if companies fails to comply with UK law.
She said: "Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent. It is an insult and totally unacceptable for Grok to still allow this if you’re willing to pay for it. I expect Ofcom to use the full legal powers Parliament has given them."
Kendall said the public would expect rapid action from the regulator, adding: "I, and more importantly the public, would expect to see the UK’s media regulator Ofcom update on next steps in days not weeks."
She said the Online Safety Act gives Ofcom the power to block services in the UK if companies refuse to comply with the law.
"I would remind xAI (Musk’s AI company) that the Online Safety Act Includes the power to block services from being accessed in the UK, if they refuse to comply with UK law. If Ofcom decide to use those powers they will have our full support."
She also pointed to forthcoming legislation aimed at tackling online abuse and image-based harm.
"We will be banning nudification apps in the Crime and Policing Bill which is in parliament now."
She said new powers would soon come into force to criminalize the creation of intimate images without consent.
Grok is a free tool that users can tag directly in posts or replies under other users’ posts to request responses.
However, the feature has also allowed people to ask it to edit images, including digitally removing most of a person’s clothing.
