END of an era

As of March 2026, X (formerly Twitter) has moved Grok's advanced AI features, specifically Grok Imagine (image and video generation) , behind a strict paywall, requiring an X Premium subscription or higher (SuperGrok) to access these tools. This shift followed significant controversy regarding the generation of non-consensual sexualized imagery. CTech +3 Key Details on the Grok Paywall: Image/Video Limitations: Free users can no longer use Grok to generate or edit images/videos; attempting to do so triggers a pop-up prompt for a subscription. Reason for Change: The restriction was implemented after international pressure from regulators (including the EU and UK) due to the widespread creation of "deepfakes" and non-consensual, explicit images of women and children. Effectiveness: While intended to act as a safety barrier, some reports indicate that this move has not completely eliminated the creation of such images, as paid users can still produce them. Standalone App: Reports suggest that while image generation is restricted on the X platform, some functionality may still be accessible via the standalone Grok app. Ongoing Legal Scrutiny: Despite the paywall, X is facing investigations from the European Commission and lawsuits regarding the misuse of its AI tool. This in the end of probably the most generously popular tool.