X, formerly known as Twitter, has restricted image generation capabilities within its Grok chatbot to paying subscribers, following criticism over the tool's ability to create sexually explicit images, including those depicting apparent minors. The change, implemented Friday, now prompts non-paying users attempting to generate images with Grok to subscribe to the platform's $95 annual premium tier, according to tests conducted by multiple users.

The limitation arrives amid growing scrutiny of Elon Musk's X and xAI, the company responsible for developing Grok. Regulators worldwide are reportedly investigating the platform regarding the creation of non-consensual explicit imagery and alleged sexual images of children. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suggested a potential ban of X in the UK, citing unlawful activities.

The Grok chatbot utilizes advanced artificial intelligence models to generate images from text prompts. This technology, while offering creative potential, has raised concerns about its potential misuse. The ability to generate realistic images, particularly those of a sexual nature, has prompted debates about ethical considerations and the need for safeguards.

X's decision to restrict image generation to paying subscribers could be interpreted as an attempt to mitigate the risk of misuse and demonstrate a commitment to responsible AI development. However, critics argue that this approach effectively puts a price on safety, potentially limiting access to safeguards for vulnerable users.

Neither X nor xAI have released an official statement regarding the change or the specific reasons behind it. The long-term impact of this decision on Grok's user base and the broader debate surrounding AI ethics remains to be seen. The investigations by regulators are ongoing, and the future of X in certain regions is uncertain.