Elon Musk's platform X has limited image editing with its AI tool Grok to paying users, after it came under fire for allowing people to make sexualised deepfakes.
There has been a significant backlash after the chatbot honoured requests from users to digitally alter images of other people by undressing them without their consent.
But Grok is now telling people asking it to make such material that only paid subscribers would be able to do so - meaning their name and payment information must be on file.
Those who do not subscribe can still use Grok to edit images on its separate app and website.
Musk has thrown his toys out of the pram in protest at being held to account for the tsunami of abuse, said Professor Clare McGlynn, an expert in the legal regulation of pornography, sexual violence and online abuse.
Instead of taking the responsible steps to ensure Grok could not be used for abusive purposes, it has withdrawn access for the vast majority of users.
And Hannah Swirsky, head of policy at the Internet Watch Foundation, said it does not undo the harm which has been done.
Addressing concerns that sexualised images of adults and children had been generated by Grok, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was disgraceful and disgusting.
Government sources told BBC News: We would expect Ofcom to use all powers at its disposal in regard to Grok and X.
Grok is a free tool which users can tag directly in posts or replies under other users' posts to request a particular response. However, this feature has allowed harmful requests to digitally strip individuals of their clothing. As of now, Grok only permits image editing requests from paying subscribers.
Critics have met this change with skepticism, asserting greater systemic changes are necessary to prevent future misuse. Experts are calling for redesigns of Grok with built-in ethical guardrails.
