Asger Risom
Grok sparks global backlash over sexualized AI images
Governments across Europe, Asia, and Latin America are moving against Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok after it generated sexualized images of women and children without consent, escalating fears about how fast-moving AI tools are outpacing regulation.
The controversy has triggered demands for investigations, takedowns, and tougher digital safety laws, putting Musk’s platform X under intense international scrutiny.
A surge in explicit content
The backlash centers on Grok Imagine, an AI image generator launched last year and integrated into X. The tool allows users to create images and videos from text prompts and includes a mode that permits adult content.
Concerns intensified late last month when Grok appeared to approve large numbers of requests to alter photos posted by other users. As of this week, prompts such as “put her in a transparent bikini” were still producing sexualized images, according to demonstrations shared online.
Critics say the issue is magnified because Grok is marketed as a less constrained alternative to rival chatbots and because the generated images are publicly visible and easily shared.
Evidence from researchers
Nonprofit group AI Forensics said it analyzed about 20,000 images generated by Grok between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Roughly 2% appeared to depict people who looked 18 or younger, including dozens showing young women or girls in bikinis or transparent clothing.
The findings have fueled alarm over the rise of AI “nudification” tools, which critics warn could normalize the creation and spread of nonconsensual sexualized deepfakes.
Limited response from Musk’s companies
Musk’s AI company, xAI, responded to a request for comment with an automated message reading, “Legacy Media Lies.” X did not deny the existence of the content but said it takes action against illegal material, including child sexual abuse content, by removing it and suspending accounts.
The company also echoed Musk’s statement that users who generate illegal content with Grok would face the same consequences as those who upload such material directly.
Pressure from Europe
In the United Kingdom, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall called the content “absolutely appalling” and said X must act urgently. The communications regulator Ofcom confirmed it had contacted both X and xAI to assess compliance with the Online Safety Act, which requires platforms to prevent and remove child sexual abuse material.
The European Commission also condemned Grok’s outputs. A spokesperson said the AI was being used to generate explicit sexual content, including child-like images, calling the material illegal and unacceptable. French prosecutors have expanded an existing investigation into X to include sexually explicit deepfakes, following complaints from lawmakers.
Global demands for action
Beyond Europe, governments are moving to intervene. India issued an ultimatum demanding that X remove unlawful content and review Grok’s safeguards, warning of legal consequences. Malaysia’s communications regulator said it is investigating users and would summon a company representative. In Brazil, a lawmaker reported X and Grok to federal prosecutors and called for disabling the AI features pending investigation.
Poland has also cited Grok as justification for new digital safety legislation aimed at strengthening protections for minors.
A broader reckoning
The widening response highlights growing unease over generative AI systems that can manipulate images at scale, often faster than companies or regulators can respond.
As one European official put it, the issue is no longer about provocative content or “spicy” modes, but about whether platforms can prevent AI tools from being used to produce and spread illegal, degrading material. For Musk’s Grok, the reckoning is now global.
Sources: Associated Press, X.com, AI Forensics
