For the past two weeks, the platform X has experienced a flood of non-consensual AI-manipulated nude images generated by xAI’s Grok chatbot. These images target an alarming range of women, including prominent models, actresses, news figures, crime victims, and world leaders, due to the model’s release without safeguards.
A research paper published by Copyleaks on December 31 estimated that roughly one such image appeared on X each minute. Subsequent tests revealed a much higher volume. Data collected from a sample gathered between January 5 and 6 showed 6,700 images posted per hour across a 24-hour period. This rate equates to more than 160,000 images daily, highlighting the scale of the activity on the platform during that timeframe.
Public figures worldwide have criticized the decision to launch the Grok model without protective measures against such misuse. Regulators face limited clear mechanisms to control the image-manipulating system developed by Elon Musk’s xAI. The situation underscores challenges in overseeing advanced AI deployments on social media platforms.
On Thursday, the European Commission directed xAI to preserve all documents related to its Grok chatbot. This preservation order serves as a standard step often preceding a formal investigation, though it does not confirm one has begun. The directive carries added weight following a CNN report indicating that Elon Musk personally intervened to block safeguards on Grok’s image-generation features.
Details remain unavailable on whether X implemented any technical modifications to the Grok model in response to the issue. One visible change involves the removal of the public media tab from Grok’s X account, which previously displayed generated content.
On January 3, X’s Safety account issued a statement condemning the use of AI tools for producing child sexual imagery. The post stated verbatim, “Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.” This message echoed a prior tweet from Elon Musk on the same topic.
The United Kingdom’s Ofcom released a statement on Monday confirming contact with xAI. The regulator announced it “will undertake a swift assessment to determine whether there are potential compliance issues that warrant investigation.”
In a radio interview on Thursday, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the phenomenon as “disgraceful” and “disgusting.” He affirmed, “Ofcom has our full support to take action in relation to this.”
Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant addressed the matter in a LinkedIn post. She reported that her office observed a doubling in complaints related to Grok since late 2025. Inman-Grant indicated, “We will use the range of regulatory tools at our disposal to investigate and take appropriate action.”
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