Grok faces California probe as nonconsensual images surge to 6,700 per hour
98 Sources
[1]
Musk still defending Grok's partial nudes as California AG opens probe
After weeks of sexualized images of women and children being generated with Grok with very limited interventions from Elon Musk's xAI, California Attorney General Rob Bonta plans to investigate whether Grok's outputs break any US laws. In a press release Wednesday, Bonta said that "xAI appears to
[2]
Musk denies awareness of Grok sexual underage images as California AG launches probe | TechCrunch
Elon Musk said Wednesday he is "not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok," hours before the California Attorney General opened an investigation into xAI's chatbot over the "proliferation of nonconsensual sexually explicit material." Musk's denial comes as pressure mounts from
[3]
X's half-assed attempt to paywall Grok doesn't block free image editing
Once again, people are taking Grok at its word, treating the chatbot as a company spokesperson without questioning what it says. On Friday morning, many outlets reported that X had blocked universal access to Grok's image-editing features after the chatbot began prompting some users to pay $8 to
[4]
Elon Musk's Grok 'Undressing' Problem Isn't Fixed
Elon Musk's X has introduced new restrictions stopping people from editing and generating images of real people in bikinis or other "revealing clothing." The change in policy on Wednesday night follows global outrage at Grok being used to generate thousands of harmful non-consensual "undressing"
[5]
Elon Musk's Grok Faces Backlash Over Nonconsensual AI-Altered Images
Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, welcomed the new year with a disturbing post. "Dear Community," began the Dec. 31 post from the Grok AI account on Musk's X social media platform. "I deeply regret an incident on Dec 28, 2025, where I generated and
[6]
Grok Is Being Used to Mock and Strip Women in Hijabs and Sarees
A substantial number of AI images generated or edited with Grok are targeting women in religious and cultural clothing. Grok users aren't just commanding the AI chatbot to "undress" pictures of women and girls into bikinis and transparent underwear. Among the vast and growing library of
[7]
X hasn't really stopped Grok AI from undressing women in the UK
Elon Musk's X is trying to stop people using its AI chatbot Grok to undress women amid intensifying outrage and legal scrutiny over the deluge of nonconsensual sexual deepfakes flooding the site. It's not trying very hard: it took us less than a minute to get around its latest attempt to rein in
[8]
After Global Backlash, X Vows to Block Grok from Generating Sexualized Images
(Credit: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)) Days after governments worldwide began scrutinizing X (formerly Twitter) for allowing its AI platform Grok to generate images of real people in bikinis without their consent, the platform announced it would prevent the chatbot from
[9]
Ofcom continues X probe despite Grok 'nudify' fix
Cold milk poured over 'spicy mode,' but it might not be enough to escape a huge fine Ofcom is continuing with its investigation into X, despite the social media platform saying it will block Grok from digitally undressing people. A spokesperson for the UK comms regulator said on Thursday: "X has
[10]
XAI Blocks Grok From Creating Sexualized Images of Real People
Governments and regulators around the world have condemned the feature, and have opened investigations into xAI and Grok. Elon Musk's xAI is disabling the ability for people to use its Grok artificial intelligence chatbot to create sexualized images of real people, following widespread criticism
[11]
X Didn't Fix Grok's 'Undressing' Problem. It Just Makes People Pay for It
X is only allowing "verified" users to create images with Grok. Experts say it represents the "monetization of abuse" -- and anyone can still generate images on Grok's app and website. After creating thousands of "undressing" pictures of women and sexualized imagery of apparent minors, Elon Musk's
[12]
Musk dealt blow over Grok deepfakes, but regulatory fight far from over
STOCKHOLM/LONDON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Elon Musk's Grok chatbot is testing Europe's ability to clamp down on deepfakes and digital undressing of images online, even after regulators scored a rare win by forcing Musk's xAI to curb the creation of sexualized images. xAI said late on Wednesday it had
[13]
UK Prime Minister says 'we will take action' on Grok's disgusting deepfakes
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the country will take action against X following reports that the platform's Grok AI chatbot is generating sexualized deepfakes of adults and minors, as reported earlier by The Telegraph and Sky News. "It's disgusting," Starmer says during an interview with
[14]
What to know about UK legal changes aiming to regulate AI-generated nude images
LONDON (AP) -- Laws that will make it illegal to create online sexual images of someone without their consent are coming into force soon in the U.K., officials said Thursday, following a global backlash over the use of Elon Musk's artificial intelligence chatbot Grok to make sexualized deepfakes of
[15]
California is investigating Grok over AI-generated CSAM and nonconsensual deepfakes
California authorities have launched an investigation into xAI following weeks of reports that the chatbot was generating sexualized images of children. "xAI appears to be facilitating the large-scale production of deepfake nonconsensual intimate images that are being used to harass women and girls
[16]
Elon Musk's X Restricts Ability to Create Explicit Images With Grok
The social media platform X said late Wednesday that it was blocking Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot created by Elon Musk, from generating sexualized and naked images of real people on its platforms in certain locations. The move comes amid global outrage over explicit, A.I.-generated
[17]
Elon Musk's X to block Grok from undressing images of real people
Elon Musk's AI model Grok will no longer be able to edit photos of real people to show them in revealing clothing, after widespread concern over sexualised AI deepfakes in countries including the UK and US. "We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the
[18]
Elon Musk Cannot Get Away With This
If there is no red line around AI-generated sex abuse, then no line exists. Will Elon Musk face any consequences for his despicable sexual-harassment bot? For more than a week, beginning late last month, anyone could go online and use a tool owned and promoted by the world's richest man to modify
[19]
Grok image generation is now paywalled on X amid AI "undressing" deepfake controversy
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. What just happened? With the pressure growing on X over Grok's sexualized deepfake images of women and children, the AI tool's image creation feature has now been restricted to paying X subscribers
[20]
Musk's xAI Faces California AG Probe Over Grok Sexual Images
A number of European countries and the European Union are also probing xAI and Grok, with Governor Gavin Newsom calling on the attorney general to "immediately investigate the company and hold xAI accountable". Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is under investigation by the
[21]
Elon Musk's X Says It Will (Sort of) Crack Down on Grok’s Sexual Deepfake Problem
The company claims it’s adding new technical and geo-based restrictions to its Grok's image editing capabilties. Elon Musk’s social media platform X is taking additional steps to curb its sexual deepfake problem, following weeks of backlash and multiple government investigations around the
[22]
UK regulator says its X deepfake probe will continue
LONDON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - British media regulator Ofcom said on Thursday its formal investigation into Elon Musk's X over its Grok AI chatbot's sexually intimate deepfake images would continue, even as it welcomed the company's recent policy change. Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI said
[23]
X says Grok, Musk's AI chatbot, is blocked from undressing images in places where it's illegal
BANGKOK (AP) -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok won't be able to edit photos to portray real people in revealing clothing in places where that is illegal, according to a statement posted on X. The announcement late Wednesday followed a global backlash over sexualized images of women and children,
[24]
Masterful Gambit: Musk Attempts to Monetize Grok's Wave of Sexual Abuse Imagery
In an attempt to push more people toward a paying subscription, Grok now refuses to generate images in replies. The paywall is pretty leaky, though. Elon Musk, owner of the former social media network turned deepfake porn site X, is pushing people to pay for its nonconsensual intimate image
[25]
California Investigates Elon Musk's xAI Over Sexualized Images Generated by Grok
The state will examine whether xAI, which owns the social media platform X and created the A.I. chatbot Grok, violated state law. California's attorney general on Wednesday said the state had opened an investigation into Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, for generating sexualized
[26]
California investigates Grok over AI deepfakes
X and Grok remain available on Apple's App Store and Google Play. It comes amid a debate over whether US tech companies are shielded from responsibility for what users post on AI platforms. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 provides legal immunity to online platforms for
[27]
Elon Musk's X faces bans and investigations over nonconsensual bikini images
Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked X's chatbot, Grok, over the weekend after it made scores of fake images publicly sexualizing mostly women and, in some instances, children late last year. Governments around the world are also launching investigations. The latest came on Monday as the UK
[28]
California Launches Investigation Into Grok's Nonconsensual Sexual Images
Weeks after Elon Musk's X was flooded with AI-generated images depicting people, including children, in sexualized ways without consent, California is investigating how the hell it happened. The state's Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Wednesday that he is opening a probe into the situation to
[29]
UK's Starmer Threatens Musk's X With Action Over Child Images
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed action and demanded Elon Musk's X urgently "get their act together" over sexualized images of children produced by its artificial intelligence tool Grok. "This is disgraceful, it's disgusting and it's not to be tolerated. X has got to get a grip of this," the
[30]
Grok AI: what do limits on tool mean for X, its users, and Ofcom?
UK users will no longer be able to create sexualised images of real people using @Grok X account, with Grok app also expected to be restricted Elon Musk's X has announced it will stop the Grok AI tool from allowing users to manipulate images of people to show them in revealing clothing such as
[31]
Grok-created images of real people in bikinis, underwear banned on X
Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok has announced a change in policy that purports to offer more protections against sexualized deepfakes, at least on X. The new policy comes as California launches an investigation into the issue, while the UK is threatening a ban. "We have implemented technological
[32]
'It will refuse to produce anything illegal': Elon Musk rails against Grok backlash, but UK Prime Minister says 'we're not going to back down'
Elon Musk said that he's aware of "literally zero" naked underage images generated by Grok AI, in a Wednesday post on X. It's the first public comments beyond emojis the X CEO has made on the controversy, though it may do little to satisfy critics. Grok AI ran into trouble last week after Reuters
[33]
Musk's Grok restricts image generator after complaints over sexualized photos
Why it matters: xAI, Musk's AI company, is under fire from the European Commission, which said Friday it will investigate the images, calling them "illegal," "appalling" and "disgusting." What they're saying: Responding to users on X Friday, Grok said that image generation and editing "are
[34]
Musk says he was unaware of Grok generating explicit images of minors
Jan 14 (Reuters) - Elon Musk said on Wednesday he was not aware of any "naked underage images" generated by xAI's Grok chatbot, as scrutiny of the AI tool intensifies worldwide. "I not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero," Musk said in an X post. Musk's comment on
[35]
X claims Grok won't edit images of real people into bikinis
Grok is allegedly done playing deepfake digital swimsuit stylist. X $TWTR says it has "implemented technological measures" to ensure that the chatbot will no longer edit photos of real people into "revealing clothing such as bikinis" -- exactly the sort of claim that lasts exactly as long as it
[36]
X restricts Grok image generation to paid users after global backlash
Grok, the Elon Musk-backed AI chatbot woven into the fabric of X, has started walling off its image generation and editing tools to paid subscribers. The change follows a tidal wave of criticism regarding the tool's ability to churn out non-consensual sexualized imagery. While the restriction is
[37]
Lawmakers and victims criticize new limits on Grok's AI image as 'insulting' and 'not effective' | Fortune
Elon Musk's xAI has restricted its AI chatbot Grok's image generation capabilities to paying subscribers only, following widespread condemnation over its use to create non-consensual sexualized images of real women and children. "Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying
[38]
X Tightens Grok Image Generation Following International Backlash - Decrypt
Regulators in California, Europe, and Australia are investigating xAI and Grok over potential violations. X said it is restricting image generation and editing features tied to Grok, limiting access to paid users after the chatbot was used to create non-consensual sexualized images of real people,
[39]
Ofcom urged to use 'banning' powers over X AI deepfakes
The possibility there could be sexualised images of children raised very specific concerns in government. Addressing concerns over sexualised images of adults and children produced by Grok, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "This is disgraceful. It's disgusting. And it's not to be tolerated...
[40]
X Says It's Finally Doing Something About Grok's Deepfake Porn Problem, but It's Not Nearly Enough
X is currently implementing blocks on generating illegal material, but according to testing, there appear to be loopholes. After weeks of pressure from both advocacy groups and governments, Elon Musk's X says it's finally going to do something about its deepfake porn problem. Unfortunately, after
[41]
X bans explicit Grok deepfakes - but is its clash with the EU over?
While Elon Musk's company has said it is taking steps to prevent its AI chatbot from creating nude images of real people, the European Commission has yet to be reassured. Amid mounting pressure in Europe and abroad, Elon Musk's social media platform has announced that it is implementing
[42]
xAI restricts Grok chatbot after sexualised AI images spark global concern
Elon Musk's AI company xAI has imposed limits on its Grok chatbot's image editing capabilities after hyper-realistic sexualised images -- including depictions of minors -- circulated online. The restrictions apply to all users, including paid subscribers, and block image generation in jurisdictions
[43]
California launches investigation into xAI and Grok over sexualized AI images
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Wednesday that he is launching an investigation into xAI and Grok after the Grok artificial intelligence model produced sexualized images of women and children. The investigation will look at "the proliferation of nonconsensual sexually explicit
[44]
Mom of one of Elon Musk's kids says AI chatbot Grok generated sexual deepfake images of her: "Make it stop"
Journalist Jo Ling Kent joined CBS News in July 2023 as the senior business and technology correspondent for CBS News. Kent has more than 15 years of experience covering the intersection of technology and business in the U.S., as well as the emergence of China as a global economic power. Elon
[45]
Grok's nonconsensual porn problem is part of a long, gross legacy
Constance Grady is a senior correspondent on the Culture team for Vox, where since 2016 she has covered books, publishing, gender, celebrity analysis, and theater. For the past few weeks, Elon Musk's Grok AI bot has been generating pornographic images of women and underage girls, without their
[46]
Elon Musk Moves to Monetize Grok Deepfake Abuse, UK Calls It Insulting
On Friday, Elon Musk’s social media platform X added the lightest of restrictions on its AI chatbot Grok following backlash over the AI tool being used to alter users’ photos on X to generate sexually degrading deepfakes of women and children. Not everyone is buying it. The chatbot now appears
[47]
California attorney general investigates Musk's Grok AI over lewd fake images
California authorities have announced an investigation into the output of Elon Musk's Grok. The state's top attorney said Grok, an AI tool and image generator made by Musk's company xAI, appears to be making it easy to harass women and girls with deepfake images on X and elsewhere online. "The
[48]
Grok says it has restricted image generation to subscribers after deepfake concerns. But has it?
Elon Musk's AI tool Grok says it is now restricted to X paid subscribers. The move comes after an outcry over sexualised and violent images reportedly generated by the platform's AI assistant. Earlier this week, news emerged that Grok was digitally removing women's clothes in images without their
[49]
Musk's xAI bows to pressure and blocks Grok from 'nudifying' images
Elon Musk's xAI has finally bowed to international pressure and blocked Grok from creating the sexualised images which have flooded the X platform in recent weeks. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia restricted the platform, countries like the UK and France - and the EU itself - have launched
[50]
Why Elon Musk is laughing off Grok's flood of deepfake AI porn
From the moment Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, began rolling out its Grok chatbot to paid X subscribers in 2023, it pitched the tool as the bad boy of large language models. Grok would supposedly be authorized to say and do things that its politically correct competitors --
[51]
Ofcom welcomes Grok sexualised image restrictions and says investigation 'ongoing'
It comes as Downing Street sources said Elon Musk's pledge to stop Grok making sexualised images of people is a "vindication for Keir Starmer". Ofcom has welcomed restrictions on Grok, X's AI chatbot, to prevent the generation of sexualised images. The regulator said its investigation was
[52]
Elon Musk's X restricts ability to create explicit images with Grok
The social media platform X said late Wednesday that it was blocking Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot created by Elon Musk, from generating sexualized and naked images of real people on its platforms in certain locations. The move comes amid global outrage over explicit, AI-generated
[53]
X says Grok, Musk's AI chatbot, is blocked from undressing images in places where it's illegal
BANGKOK -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok won't be able to edit photos to portray real people in revealing clothing in places where that is illegal, according to a statement posted on X. The announcement late Wednesday followed a global backlash over sexualized images of women and children, including
[54]
Elon Musk's X will block Grok AI tool from creating sexualized images
The move came just hours after the billionaire said he was not aware of any "naked underage images" made by Grok. Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok won't be able to edit photos to portray real people in revealing clothing in places where that is illegal, according to a statement posted on his social
[55]
California investigating Grok AI over lewd fake images
San Francisco (United States) (AFP) - California on Wednesday began investigating whether Elon Musk's artificial intelligence chatbot Grok has been letting users turn pictures of women and girls into salacious images. The state's top attorney said Grok, made by Musk's xAI, appears to be making it
[56]
Elon Musk's X limits sexual deepfakes after backlash, but xAI's Grok app still makes them
Elon Musk's controversial Grok artificial intelligence model appears to have been restricted on one app, while remaining largely unchanged on another. On Musk's social media app X, the Grok AI image generation feature has been made for paying customers only and has been seemingly restricted from
[57]
U.K. says ban on Elon Musk's X platform "on the table" over Grok AI sexualized images
London -- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Thursday that he wants "all options to be on the table," including a potential ban on Elon Musk's X platform in Britain, over the use of its artificial intelligence tool Grok to generate sexualized images of people without their consent. Starmer's
[58]
Elon Musk Is in Hot Water Over X Enabling 'Inconceivable Behavior' -- but He's Not Backing Down
Elon Musk's AI chatbot has come under intense scrutiny for generating sexualized images of real people -- even, reportedly, children. Amid global backlash, social media platform X has taken action. X Safety said in a statement on Wednesday that it had put new limits in place on Grok. The
[59]
'Add blood, forced smile': how Grok's nudification tool went viral
Like thousands of women across the world, Evie, a 22-year-old photographer from Lincolnshire, woke up on New Year's Day, looked at her phone and was alarmed to see that fully clothed photographs of her had been digitally manipulated by Elon Musk's AI tool, Grok, to show her in just a bikini. The
[60]
Musk's X further restricts Grok image editing after criticism
Elon Musk's social platform X is further restricting image editing tools available with its AI chatbot Grok in the face of growing criticism over a recent surge in AI-generated sexualized images of women and children on the platform. X's Safety team said Wednesday that it is implementing measures
[61]
X Shuts Down Grok's Creepy "Undressing" Feature After Massive Backlash - Phandroid
X finally added new Grok AI safeguards to stop the chatbot from creating sexually explicit deepfakes of real people. The company announced technical restrictions that prevent users from asking Grok to "undress" photos or put people in revealing outfits. This follows weeks of backlash, government
[62]
X Says Grok, Musk's AI Chatbot, Is Blocked From Undressing Images in Places Where It's Illegal
BANGKOK (AP) -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok won't be able to edit photos to portray real people in revealing clothing in places where that is illegal, according to a statement posted on X. The announcement late Wednesday followed a global backlash over sexualized images of women and children,
[63]
Grok's 'spicy mode' making pictures with kids is horrifying | Opinion
Grok AI is being used to create porn-like deepfakes of women, including feminist X user Evie. Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot connected to X, has been making headlines for the recent "undressing" epidemic, in which users generate manipulated images that feature people in very little
[64]
Grok Lies About Locking Its AI Porn Options Behind A Paywall
The generative-AI tool Grok has been found to be producing images of undressed minors A week ago, a Guardian story revealed the news that Elon Musk's Grok AI was knowingly and willingly producing images of real-world people in various states of undress, and even more disturbingly, images of
[65]
Grok image editing limited on X after users prompt AI deepfakes
The image editing ability is now limited only to paid subscribers on X. After thousands of user requests prompted Grok AI to non-consensually 'nudify' people - including children - on X, the social media platform has decided to limit the chatbot's image-editing capabilities to paid users. Elon
[66]
Musk's Grok chatbot is now restricting image generation after wave of sexualized deepfakes
The sexualized deepfakes, some of which appeared to show children, caused global backlash. Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is preventing most users from generating or editing any images after a global backlash that erupted after it started spewing sexualized deepfakes of people. The chatbot, which is
[67]
X to block Grok AI from undressing images of real people
The Grok AI tool on Elon Musk's X will no longer be able to undress pictures of real people, the company has announced. "We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis," said a
[68]
Elon Musk's Grok Hit With Bans and Regulatory Probes Worldwide
From Southeast Asia to Europe, regulators are moving to rein in Musk's A.I. chatbot amid a surge in nonconsensual deepfake abuse. Grok, the A.I. chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, is facing mounting backlash after users exploited the tool to generate sexually explicit images of real women and
[69]
X to disable Grok tool in some areas after fury over sexualized images
LONDON -- After outrage from governments and regulators around the world, Elon Musk's social media platform, X, announced that to comply with local laws it will disable, in some locations, a Grok AI tool that allows users to generate sexualized images of people without their consent. In a
[70]
Musk's Grok under fire over sexualized images despite new limits
Washington (United States) (AFP) - European officials and tech campaigners on Friday slammed Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok after its controversial image creation feature was restricted to paying subscribers, saying the change failed to address concerns about sexualized deepfakes. Grok has faced
[71]
Musk's X announces measures to bar Grok from undressing images after global backlash
Elon Musk's platform X on Wednesday announced measures to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing images of real people, following global backlash over its generation of sexualized photos of women and children. The announcement comes after California's attorney general launched an
[72]
California Investigating Sexually Explicit AI images On Elon Musk's X
California Investigating Sexually Explicit AI images On Elon Musk's X California is launching an investigation into X, Elon Musk's social media network formerly known as Twitter, "facilitating the large-scale production of deepfake nonconsensual intimate images that are being used to harass women
[73]
Grok Restricts Generated Images After Outcry Over Sexualized Deepfakes
Harvey Weinstein Says He's 'Haunted' By the Thought of Dying in Jail as He Considers Plea Deal The company behind Grok, the AI service that is part of the social media platform X, reportedly turned off its ability to generate images for some users on Friday. According to The Hollywood Reporter and
[74]
Musk says he's not aware of any Grok-generated 'naked underage images'
Tech billionaire Elon Musk said he's unaware of any instances in which his AI chatbot, Grok, generated nude photos of minors, pushing back on concerns about the spread of sexualized deepfakes on his social media platform X. "I [am] not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok.
[75]
X limits Grok access after misuse. It doesn't fix their deepfake issue.
Elon Musk's X has limited access to Grok after the AI chatbot generated thousands of "undressing" pictures of women and apparent minors. However, despite the changes, the chatbot is still being used to create sexualized imagery of women without their consent. On Jan. 9, xAI restricted image
[76]
Musk's X ordered by UK government to tackle wave of indecent imagery or face ban
Platform has restricted image creation on the Grok AI tool to paying subscribers, but victims and experts say this does not go far enough Elon Musk's X has been ordered by the UK government to tackle a wave of indecent AI images or face a de facto ban, as an expert said the platform was no longer
[77]
The UK could ban X over the Grok generative image fiasco
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the situation as "intolerable". It's not a secret that many are unhappy with how Grok has been implemented on X, as it has been discovered that the AI can be asked to complete all kinds of actions, often without someone's consent. The latest trend has seen
[78]
Grok controversy: Everything you need to know about X's sexual AI image scandal
Elon Musk's X is under fire globally after users started exploiting its AI chatbot to make sexual images of real people. Social media platform X is under pressure after reports that its AI chatbot Grok has allowed users to create sexual images of women and children. Images are being generated by
[79]
X says Grok, Musk's AI chatbot, is blocked from undressing images in places where it's illegal
BANGKOK (AP) -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok won't be able to edit photos to portray real people in revealing clothing in places where that is illegal, according to a statement posted on X. The announcement late Wednesday followed a global backlash over sexualized images of women and children,
[80]
California to investigate xAI over Grok chatbot images, officials say - The Economic Times
California's governor and attorney general said on Wednesday that they were demanding answers from Elon Musk's xAI after the billionaire said he was not aware of any "naked underage images" generated by its artificial intelligence chatbot, called Grok. "We're demanding immediate answers from xAI
[81]
Elon Musk's AI Is Generating Sexual Images Of Women And Girls. Here's What To Do If It Happens To You.
Over the past few weeks, people on X -- the Elon Musk-owned social media platform -- have used the app's chatbot, Grok, to generate sexual images of women and girls without their consent. With a few simple instructions -- "put her into a very transparent mini-bikini," for instance -- Grok will
[82]
X Now Prevents Grok From Editing "Images of Real People in Revealing Clothing, Such as Bikinis"
Vulnerable Masculinity, Modern Love, and an Art Project Called Tear Dealer Feature in 'Tell Me What You Feel' (Exclusive Trailer) Grok, the AI chatbot created by xAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by and majority-owned by Elon Musk, last week switched off its image creation and
[83]
Musk's Grok chatbot restricts image generation after sexualization complaints
Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok has restricted image generation on the social platform X following numerous complaints that it was producing sexualized images of women and children. "Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers," Grok wrote in response to a user request
[84]
No 10 condemns move by X to restrict Grok AI image creation tool as insulting
Spokesperson says limiting access to subscribers just makes ability to generate unlawful images a premium service Downing Street has condemned the move by X to restrict its AI image creation tool responsible for a wave of explicit picture to paying subscribers only as insulting, saying it simply
[85]
Starmer threatens to 'control' Grok if Elon Musk's X keeps creating sexual images
AI chatbot Grok has been creating images of women and children that are sexualised at the request of users. Sir Keir Starmer has threatened to "control" X's AI chatbot Grok if Elon Musk's social media platform continues to create sexual images of women and children. The prime minister told his
[86]
Grok's AI-Manipulated Nude Images Highlight the Need for Tough Regulations
If Grok does not fix the issue at the foundational model level, it may be time for us to bid adieu to xAI and to X too Amidst growing global criticism from X users for letting users generate sexualized and nude images of women, Elon Musk's AI company Grok has limited the image-generation feature
[87]
Musk's Grok chatbot restricts image generation after global backlash to sexualized deepfakes - The Korea Times
LONDON -- Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is preventing non-paying users from generating or editing images after a global backlash erupted over sexualized deepfakes of people, but the change has not satisfied authorities in Europe. The chatbot, which is accessed through Musk's social media platform X,
[88]
Grok limits image generation to paid users; not enough, says govt
MeitY's concernThe issue will remain if X continues to allow the generation, hosting, uploading or sharing of obscene and illegal content that hurts the privacy and dignity of our citizens, especially women and children, in any manner X has restricted the controversial image generation feature on
[89]
X Announces Grok Can No Longer Edit Real People's Images, But Website Still Allows It - MEDIANAMA
The X Safety account announced today that images of real people can no longer be edited by Grok on X, stating: "We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. This restriction applies
[90]
Gov. Gavin Newsom demands AG investigate Elon Musk's X for AI...
California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling on the state's attorney general to investigate Elon Musk's social media platform, X, over a disturbing new trend where user's ask AI to make fake images depicting sometimes sexually explicit content. "xAI's decision to create and host a breeding ground
[91]
Elon Musk's Grok appears to modify image generation after outcry
Elon Musk's Grok artificial intelligence chatbot appears to have new guardrails around image generation, following global outrage after it was found to be complying with user requests to digitally undress images of adults and in some cases children. Within the last week xAi, which owns both Grok
[92]
UK ministers considering leaving X amid concern over AI tool images
Labour party chair says government having conversations about use of platform in light of sexualised Grok images UK ministers are considering leaving X as a result of the controversy over the platform's AI tool, which has been allowing users to generate digitally altered pictures of people -
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'Get a grip' on Grok, Starmer tells X after AI tool is used for child sex images
An artificial intelligence (AI) tool producing sexualised images of children will not be tolerated and is "disgusting" and "unlawful", the prime minister has said. Sir Keir Starmer said social media platform X has "got to get a grip of" its AI tool, Grok, and that he's asked media regulator,
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Elon Musk's xAI under investigation by California AG over explicit AI images By Investing.com
Investing.com -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta launched an investigation Wednesday into xAI and its AI model Grok over allegations the technology is being used to create non-consensual sexually explicit images of women and children. The investigation follows reports that users have been
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California to investigate xAI over Grok chatbot images, officials say
California's governor and attorney general said on Wednesday that they were demanding answers from Elon Musk's xAI after the billionaire said he was not aware of any "naked underage images" generated by its artificial intelligence chatbot, called Grok. "We're demanding immediate answers from xAI
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Musk's Grok barred from undressing images after global backlash - VnExpress International
The announcement comes after California's attorney general launched an investigation into Musk's xAI -- the developer of Grok -- over the sexually explicit material and multiple countries either blocked access to the chatbot or launched their own probes. X said it will "geoblock the ability" of
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Elon Musk's X says Grok no longer generates undressed images, but it is still doing it
Critics say X's safeguards lag behind rivals as pressure mounts over AI misuse and platform accountability. Elon Musk's X and Grok have been facing massive criticism and regulatory pressure as the AI chatbot continues to be used to generate non-consensual sexual deepfakes, despite the company's
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Elon Musk denies Grok AI created illegal images, blames adversarial hacks
Hints at political motives behind Grok image scandal on X.com In his continued effort to champion free speech for the world, Elon Musk has once again taken to the digital frontline in defence of Grok, his beloved AI chatbot. As allegations continue to mount accusing Grok of generating illicit
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta launched an investigation into xAI's Grok chatbot after reports showed it generated approximately 6,700 nonconsensual sexually explicit images per hour. Elon Musk defended the AI tool, claiming no naked underage images were created, while global regulators demand action on inadequate safeguards that allow users to create deepfakes of women and children.
California Attorney General Opens Investigation Into Grok
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an investigation into xAI's Grok AI chatbot on Wednesday, citing concerns that the platform "appears to be facilitating the large-scale production of deepfake nonconsensual intimate images that are being used to harass women and girls across the Internet."
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The probe comes after data from independent researcher Genevieve Oh revealed that during one 24-hour period in early January, approximately 6,700 nonconsensual sexually explicit images were generated every hour through Grok.5
This staggering volume dwarfs the average of only 79 such images produced by the top five deepfake websites combined during the same timeframe.
Source: New York Post
Bonta's office will investigate whether and how xAI violated state and federal laws designed to protect targets of image-based sexual abuse. The Take It Down Act, signed into federal law last year, criminalizes knowingly distributing nonconsensual images including deepfakes and requires platforms like X to remove such content within 48 hours.
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California also enacted its own laws in 2024 to crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes under Governor Gavin Newsom's administration.Elon Musk Defends Grok Amid Mounting Criticism
Hours before the California investigation was announced, Elon Musk posted on X that he was "not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero."
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Michael Goodyear, an associate professor at New York Law School, told TechCrunch that Musk likely narrowly focused on child sexual abuse material (CSAM) because the penalties for creating or distributing synthetic sexualized imagery of children are greater than for adult victims. Under the Take It Down Act, distributors of CSAM can face up to three years imprisonment, compared to two years for nonconsensual adult sexual imagery.
Source: Digit
Musk's statement appears to ignore that researchers found harmful images where users specifically "requested minors be put in erotic positions and that sexual fluids be depicted on their bodies."
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The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which fields reports of CSAM found on X, told Ars Technica that "technology companies have a responsibility to prevent their tools from being used to sexualize or exploit children." The Internet Watch Foundation noted that bad actors are using images edited by Grok to create even more extreme kinds of AI CSAM, with some allegedly promoting Grok-generated material on the dark web.Inadequate Safeguards and Half-Measures Fail to Address Crisis
X introduced restrictions on Friday limiting the image generation feature to paying subscribers, with Grok telling users that "image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers" and prompting them to pay $8 to unlock these features.
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However, The Verge and Ars Technica verified that unsubscribed X users can still use Grok to edit images through the desktop site and by long-pressing on any image in the app. This means X has only stopped Grok from directly posting harmful images to the public feed while leaving multiple loopholes open.
Source: Korea Times
More troubling, the standalone Grok app and website continue to generate "undress" style images and pornographic content without restrictions, according to multiple tests by researchers and journalists.
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Paul Bouchaud, lead researcher at Paris-based nonprofit AI Forensics, confirmed: "We can still generate photorealistic nudity on Grok.com. We can generate nudity in ways that Grok on X cannot." Tests by WIRED using free Grok accounts on its website in both the UK and US successfully removed clothing from images without any apparent restrictions.The undressing problem stems from Grok's problematic safety guidelines, which remain intact despite the paywall. The chatbot is still instructed to assume that users have "good intent" when requesting images of "teenage" girls, which xAI says "does not necessarily imply underage."
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An AI safety expert described Grok's safety guidelines as the kind of policy a platform would design if it "wanted to look safe while still allowing a lot under the hood."Related Stories
Global Regulatory Investigations Mount Against xAI
Authorities in multiple countries have condemned or launched regulatory investigations into Grok and X. Ofcom, the UK's internet regulator, said it had "made urgent contact" with xAI under the Online Safety Act.
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UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated: "We cannot and will not allow the proliferation of these degrading images." The European Commission also announced it was looking into the matter, along with authorities in France, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.On Friday, Democratic senators demanded that Google and Apple remove X and Grok from app stores until xAI improves safeguards to block harmful outputs.
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"There can be no mistake about X's knowledge, and, at best, negligent response to these trends," the senators wrote in a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. "Turning a blind eye to X's egregious behavior would make a mockery of your moderation practices." A response was requested by January 23.Critics argue that charging for access is not a credible response. Clare McGlynn, a law professor at the UK's University of Durham, told the Washington Post: "I don't see this as a victory, because what we really needed was X to take the responsible steps of putting in place the guardrails to ensure that the AI tool couldn't be used to generate abusive images."
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Natalie Grace Brigham, a Ph.D. student at the University of Washington who studies sociotechnical harms, notes that "although these images are fake, the harm is incredibly real," with victims facing "psychological, somatic and social harm, often with little legal recourse."Content Moderation Failures and Future Implications
The crisis began in December when xAI added an image editing feature that lets users request specific edits to photos they upload, which don't have to be original to them.
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Many altered images involved user prompts asking Grok to put people in bikinis, sometimes revising requests to be even more explicit. High-profile targets included Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and an underage actress from Stranger Things. According to Copyleaks, an AI detection and content governance platform, roughly one AI-generated image was posted each minute on X.2
X previously agreed to voluntarily moderate all nonconsensual intimate images as recently as 2024, recognizing that even partially nude images could be harmful.
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However, Musk's promotion of revealing bikini images of public and private figures suggests that commitment has been abandoned. X seems to hope that forcing users to share identification and credit card information as paying subscribers will make them less likely to generate illegal content, but advocates note that Grok's outputs can cause lasting psychological, financial, and reputational harm even when not technically illegal in some states.The Take It Down Act gives platforms until May of this year to set up processes for removing manipulated sexual imagery.
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It's possible that Grok's outputs, if left unchecked, could eventually put X in violation of this federal law. AI Forensics has gathered around 90,000 total Grok images since the Christmas holidays, highlighting the scale of the problem.4
Rather than solve the underlying issue, X may at best succeed in limiting public exposure to Grok's outputs while continuing to profit from the feature, as WIRED reported that Grok pushed "nudifying" or "undressing" apps into the mainstream.References
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