diff --git a/tools/image_generation_tool.py b/tools/image_generation_tool.py
index daab670c36a4..c486491b4e97 100644
--- a/tools/image_generation_tool.py
+++ b/tools/image_generation_tool.py
@@ -685,7 +685,7 @@ def _load_fal_client() -> Any:
             "prompt", "aspect_ratio", "num_images", "output_format",
             "resolution", "quality", "sync_mode",
         },
-        "upscale": True,   # 1k native is sub-2MP
+        "upscale": False,  # opt-in only (Aug 2026 policy); 1k native is sub-2MP
         # Edit endpoint takes `image_urls` (max 3) + the same knobs;
         # aspect_ratio defaults to "auto" (follows the first input image),
         # so we don't send it on edits.