Governments Condemn Grok Over AI-Generated Sexualized Images

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, is facing intense criticism from governments worldwide following a surge in non-consensual sexualized images generated by the tool.

The backlash comes after Grok, which operates on Musk’s social media platform X, was found to generate explicit images of women and children using artificial intelligence.

Global Alarm Over AI Abuse

On Tuesday, Britain’s top technology official urged X to take urgent action. In Poland, a senior lawmaker cited Grok as evidence of the need for stricter digital safety laws.

Authorities in the European Union, France, India, Malaysia, and Brazil have also condemned the platform and called for investigations.

The growing international response highlights increasing concern over so-called nudification apps, which use AI to create sexually explicit deepfake images.

How the Problem Started

The issue intensified after the launch of Grok Imagine, an AI image generator released last year. The tool allows users to create images and videos by typing text prompts.

It includes a feature known as “spicy mode,” which can produce adult content.

In recent weeks, Grok began responding to a large number of requests to alter images posted by other users. As of Tuesday, users could still generate images of women with prompts such as, “put her in a transparent bikini.”

Public Visibility Raises Risks

Experts say the problem is made worse by two factors. First, Musk has marketed Grok as a less restricted alternative to other AI tools. Second, images generated by Grok are publicly visible on X, making them easy to spread.

Nonprofit organization AI Forensics analyzed 20,000 images created between December 25 and January 1. The group found that 2% appeared to depict people under 18, including dozens of young girls shown in bikinis or transparent clothing.

Responses From X and xAI

Musk’s AI company, xAI, responded to media inquiries with an automated message stating, “Legacy Media Lies.”

However, X did not deny the existence of the problematic content. In a post on its Safety account, the platform said it removes illegal content, suspends accounts, and cooperates with authorities when necessary.

Musk also warned that anyone using Grok to generate illegal content would face the same consequences as those who upload such material.

United Kingdom Demands Immediate Action

U.K. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described the content as “absolutely appalling” and said X must address the issue urgently.

She added that such images disproportionately target women and girls and have no place in society.

The U.K. communications regulator Ofcom confirmed it had made urgent contact with X and xAI to assess compliance with British law.

Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must prevent and remove child sexual abuse material once detected.

Poland Pushes for New Digital Laws

In Poland, parliamentary speaker Wlodzimierz Czarzasty said Grok’s behavior shows the need for stronger protections for minors.

In a video statement, he said the chatbot has been undressing women, men, and children, calling the trend deeply disturbing.

European Union: “This Is Illegal”

The European Commission said it is aware that Grok is being used to generate explicit content involving child-like images.

“This is not spicy. This is illegal. This is appalling,” said Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier, adding that such content has no place in Europe.

The Commission is still reviewing X’s response to earlier concerns, including Grok’s past generation of Holocaust-denial content.

France, India, Malaysia, and Brazil Respond

French prosecutors have expanded an investigation into X to include sexually explicit AI-generated images after receiving complaints from lawmakers.

India issued an ultimatum demanding X remove unlawful content and submit a report on Grok’s safeguards. The deadline passed without a public response.

Malaysia’s communications regulator said it is investigating users and summoning company representatives over offensive content.

In Brazil, lawmaker Erika Hilton reported X and Grok to federal prosecutors and called for the AI features to be disabled pending investigation.

She accused the platform of enabling mass distribution of sexualized images without consent, including those involving minors.

Growing Pressure on AI Platforms

Governments worldwide are now increasing pressure on tech companies to strengthen safeguards against AI abuse.

Experts warn that without strict oversight, AI image tools risk causing serious harm, especially to women and children.