X has limited access to the image generation and editing features of its AI tool Grok to paid subscribers only, following criticism over the creation of sexually explicit images, including of children. Users attempting to edit images on Grok now receive a message stating: “Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers,” along with instructions on how to subscribe.
The move comes after new features introduced in late December allowed users to manipulate images in ways that campaigners and politicians warned could be misused. The changes have drawn widespread attention from regulators, government officials, and child protection groups.
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Niamh Smyth said the adjustment was largely cosmetic and offered little reassurance to parents or authorities. “This change does nothing to give the Government or parents any comfort,” she said, requesting a formal meeting with X to discuss the issue. Media regulator Coimisiún na Meán confirmed it is engaging with the European Commission over the concerns.
The platform has stated it removes illegal content, including child sexual abuse material, and suspends accounts found in violation while working with law enforcement. However, critics argue the paid subscription requirement does not prevent misuse.
Children’s Ombudsman Dr. Niall Muldoon said the update “makes no major difference.” “What you’re saying is you’ve got an opportunity to abuse, but you have to pay for it,” he said, warning that mainstreaming access to such tools represented a “dangerous step up.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris echoed these concerns, noting that the issue lies not in whether users pay for the technology, but in whether the tool can perform functions that are clearly impermissible. He called for recognition that large tech companies are no longer self-regulating and said victims of “nudification” apps should contact gardaí.
The controversy also prompted Minister for Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O’Donovan to deactivate his X account. Speaking on Limerick’s Live95, he said he no longer felt comfortable using a platform where personal images could be manipulated and published. “I’m Minister for Communications and Media, and I just felt that if you’re on a platform where this is allowed, regardless of whether you’re paying for it or not, I don’t feel comfortable with it,” he said. He criticized the European Commission and EU for failing to establish a harmonized approach to online child protection.
Women’s Aid CEO Sarah Benson said the platform’s changes had not materially addressed safety concerns. “Our concerns about the creation of degrading, humiliating and in some cases illegal material remain,” she said, calling for nudification and deepfake apps to be stopped or banned.
X has been contacted for comment. The company has previously said it takes action against illegal content, but the recent update highlights ongoing tensions between AI capabilities, user safety, and regulatory oversight.
