X Faced With Surge of Non-Consensual Intimate Images

For the past two weeks, the platform X has been inundated with AI-generated nude images, created using the Grok AI chatbot. A wide array of women have been targeted by these non-consensual deepfakes, from prominent models and actresses to news personalities, crime victims, and even political leaders.

A Copyleaks research paper from December 31 initially estimated about one image was posted per minute, but subsequent monitoring revealed a much higher volume. A sample period from January 5-6 recorded approximately 6,700 images per hour over a full day.

While public figures globally have criticized the decision to launch the model without adequate safeguards, regulators face a limited toolkit for reining in Elon Musk's new image-manipulation system. This situation underscores the challenges of technology regulation and presents a significant test for authorities aiming to establish effective oversight.

Predictably, the strongest response has come from the European Commission, which on Thursday directed xAI to preserve all documents related to its Grok chatbot. This directive does not confirm a formal investigation has begun, but it is a standard preliminary step. The order is especially notable following CNN reports suggesting Elon Musk may have personally intervened to block safeguards limiting the types of images Grok could generate.

It remains uncertain if X has implemented any technical modifications to the Grok model, though the public media tab on Grok's X account has been deleted. In a statement, the company explicitly condemned using AI tools to create child sexual abuse material. "Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content," posted the X Safety account on January 3, reiterating a prior statement by Elon Musk.

Regulators worldwide have meanwhile issued strong warnings. The UK's Ofcom stated on Monday it is in contact with xAI and "will undertake a swift assessment to determine whether there are potential compliance issues that warrant investigation." In a Thursday radio interview, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the phenomenon "disgraceful" and "disgusting," affirming that "Ofcom has our full support to take action in relation to this."

In a LinkedIn post, Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant noted her office had seen a doubling in complaints related to Grok since late 2025. However, Inman-Grant did not announce immediate action against xAI, stating only, "We will use the range of regulatory tools at our disposal to investigate and take appropriate action."

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The largest market currently threatening regulatory action is India, where a member of Parliament filed a formal complaint about Grok. In January, India's communications regulator, MeitY, ordered X to address the issue and submit an "action-taken" report within 72 hours—a deadline later extended by 48 hours. Although a report was submitted to the regulator on January 7, it is unclear if MeitY will find it satisfactory. If not, X risks losing its safe harbor protections in India, which could severely restrict its operations in the country.