Musk’s Grok Hit by Global Backlash Over Sexualized AI Images

The controversy stems from Grok Imagine, an AI image-generation tool launched last year on Musk’s social media platform X. The feature allows users to create and alter images through text prompts and includes a so-called “spicy mode” that can produce adult content. Critics say the tool has been widely misused to create explicit deepfake images, including of minors.

Britain’s Technology Secretary Liz Kendall demanded urgent action from X, calling the content “appalling and unacceptable.” The UK communications regulator Ofcom said it has contacted both X and Musk’s AI company, xAI, to assess compliance with the Online Safety Act, which requires platforms to remove child sexual abuse material.

Similar concerns have been raised elsewhere. A Polish lawmaker cited Grok as justification for stronger digital safety laws, while the European Commission described the content as “illegal” and “disgusting,” saying it has no place in Europe. France expanded an existing investigation into X to include sexually explicit deepfakes generated by Grok.

India issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding removal of unlawful content and a review of Grok’s safeguards, accusing the platform of enabling obscene and degrading images of women. Malaysia and Brazil have also launched investigations, with Brazilian lawmaker Erika Hilton urging authorities to suspend Grok’s AI features until inquiries are completed.

A report by nonprofit AI Forensics found that about 2% of 20,000 Grok-generated images analyzed included people appearing to be under 18, some depicted in sexualized ways, reports UNB. 

Musk’s AI company responded to media inquiries with an automated message dismissing criticism, while X said it removes illegal content and cooperates with law enforcement. However, regulators worldwide continue to press the platform to strengthen safeguards against abuse.