Outrage as Elon Musk’s AI ‘Grok’ used to create objectionable images of women, minors
PTC Web Desk: Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok has come under international scrutiny after reports emerged that it was used to generate sexualised and explicit images of women and minors. The controversy has prompted calls for strong global regulation of AI tools.
A Brazilian musician, Julie Yukari from Rio de Janeiro, shared that after posting a regular photo on New Year’s Eve, users digitally manipulated it using Grok to create nude and explicit versions, which were then circulated on X, causing her immense embarrassment and distress.
According to Reuters analysis, Grok has also been used in several instances to generate explicit images of children. In response, French authorities have declared the practice illegal and launched an investigation, while India’s Ministry of IT has formally sought explanations from X’s local unit.
During a 10-minute observation by Reuters, 102 attempts were recorded where users instructed Grok to remove clothing or modify outfits on women in images. In many cases, the AI fully complied with these commands.
Despite the severity of the issue, Elon Musk responded with laughing emojis on social media, rather than addressing the controversy seriously. Experts have warned that such AI-powered “nudifier” tools were once limited to the dark web but have now become easily accessible, putting women’s safety at risk.
Organisations like Midas Project had earlier cautioned that xAI’s Grok could be misused as a weapon to create non-consensual deepfake images, a warning that now appears to be true.
Victims have expressed distress over having to feel shame about their own bodies, which were digitally altered without their consent.
- With inputs from agencies
