xAI Faces Widespread Probes Over Explicit Images Generated by Grok
In Focus
- Grok AI generated sexualized AI images of women and children
- The images were based on videos or photos of real people
- Authorities in India and the U.K have contacted xAI over the AI deepfakes
Elon Musk-owned X is facing regulatory probes in multiple countries and regions after the Grok AI chatbot allowed users to generate and share sexualized AI images of women and children online. According to CNBC, news about Grok AI investigations has been recorded in Europe, Britain, India, and Malaysia among others.
xAI’s Reaction to the AI Images Issues
Widespread circulation of nonconsensual intimate images on X has triggered Grok AI deepfake investigations in multiple countries. The images, which were generated using Grok AI, were based on photos or videos of real individuals. On January 3, 2026, xAI released a statement about the xAI deepfake controversy.
“We take action against illegal content on X, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary,” the company stated in a post on the X Safety account as per CNBC.
Musk also commented on the matter on X, stating that “Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.”
Last year, xAI faced backlash over Grok after the AI chatbot generated antisemitism posts. The company updated Grok imagine features recently to make image generation from text prompts easier.
The EU Termed Grok’s Actions Illegal
The European Commission said it was taking the matter “very seriously” and was aware of the spicy mode on X.
“We are aware that X and Grok are now offering a spicy mode showing explicit sexual content with some output generated with childlike images. This is not spicy. This is illegal. This is appalling. This is disgusting. This is how we see it, and this has no place in Europe,” European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier noted as reported by CNBC.
X is facing fresh investigations weeks after the EU penalized it $140 million for violating content rules under the Digital Services Act. The National Center on Sexual Exploitations wants the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department to probe the matter in the U.S.
U.K. and India Contacted xAI
Several countries have contacted xAI over the Grok-generated images. In the U.K., Ofcom said it had contacted xAI about the AI deepfake child abuse images issue. The watchdog said xAI’s response will determine its next course of action.
“We have made urgent contact with X and xAI to understand what steps they have taken to comply with their legal duties to protect users in the U.K. Based on their response, we will undertake a swift assessment to determine whether there are potential compliance issues that warrant investigation,” Ofcom stated as cited by Sky News.
Authorities in India have asked X to undertake a comprehensive technical and procedural review of Grok and to comply with the country’s regulations by January 5, 2026. Malaysian authorities have launched a probe on X and asked digital platforms to comply with its online safety standards.
