Grok Faces Global Backlash as Countries Clamp Down on Non-Consensual AI Images

Indonesia and Malaysia have temporarily blocked access to Grok, Elon Musk's xAI chatbot, following a surge in non-consensual sexualized deepfake content.

The action follows widespread circulation of AI-generated imagery depicting real women and minors in sexualized, and sometimes violent, scenarios. Users on X were tagging Grok with prompts to digitally undress or alter photographs of real people.

In the United Kingdom, the communications regulator Ofcom has said that it will “undertake a swift assessment to determine whether there are potential compliance issues that warrant investigation.” Responding to criticism, Elon Musk said that authorities were seeking “any excuse for censorship.”

Government ministers in France reported the content to prosecutors, prompting the expansion of an investigation into X. In a statement published on Jan 2, the ministers said the "sexual and sexist" content was "manifestly illegal".

India has also responded forcefully to the crisis. On Jan 2, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi demanded action from IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, calling Grok's misuse a "blatant violation of women's rights."

The Indian government ordered notice to X demanding an explanation. The platform was initially given 72 hours to respond; on Jan 6, that deadline was extended by 48 hours. By January 11, X had blocked 3,500 posts and deleted 600 accounts flagged for violations, according to government sources.