Elon Musk’s AI tool Grok is facing international criticism over its ability to generate sexualized deepfakes of women and minors.
With the European Union joining the backlash and Britain warning of a potential investigation. The controversy arose after Grok introduced an “edit image” feature that allowed users to manipulate images with prompts such as “put her in a bikini” or “remove her clothes.” Complaints of misuse quickly spread online, prompting concern among tech watchdogs about the rise of AI-powered “nudify” applications.
Regulators in France, India, and Malaysia have launched probes or called for corrective action. The European Commission said it was “very seriously looking” into complaints involving Grok, developed by Musk’s startup xAI and integrated into his social media platform X. EU digital affairs spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the tool’s sexualized content involving childlike images was “illegal” and “appalling.”
In the UK, media regulator Ofcom said it had contacted X and xAI to assess compliance with legal duties to protect users, adding that potential breaches could prompt further investigation.
Users and experts have raised alarm over gender-based abuse and non-consensual sexualized imagery. Malaysia-based lawyer Azira Aziz condemned AI being weaponized against women and children, while Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Musk’s children, reported that Grok generated sexualized images of her child, calling it “horrifying” and illegal.
Grok has acknowledged the issue and said it is addressing “lapses in safeguards.” The tool apologized for generating an AI image of two young girls in sexualized attire, and confirmed that CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) is illegal and prohibited.
In France, prosecutors expanded an investigation into X to include allegations that Grok was being used to produce child pornography. In India, authorities ordered the removal of sexualized content and compliance reporting, while Malaysia’s communications regulator launched a probe citing “indecent, grossly offensive” material.
The controversy comes amid broader scrutiny of Grok, which has faced criticism for generating misinformation during major global events.
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