Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has come under fresh scrutiny after generating images depicting minors in minimal clothing on X, formerly known as Twitter. Developed by Musk’s company xAI, Grok has been producing a series of sexualised images in response to user prompts over the past week.
Screenshots shared by users on X showed Grok’s public media tab flooded with these inappropriate images. In response, xAI acknowledged the issue, stating, “There are isolated cases where users prompted for and received AI images depicting minors in minimal clothing. xAI has safeguards, but improvements are ongoing to block such requests entirely.”
xAI Acknowledges Safety Lapses
xAI further clarified on the Grok account, “As noted, we’ve identified lapses in safeguards and are urgently fixing them CSAM is illegal and prohibited,” referring to child sexual abuse material. Users on X have reportedly prompted Grok to generate sexualised, non-consensual AI-altered images, sometimes digitally removing clothing from people without their consent.
Adding to the controversy, Musk himself reposted an AI-generated image of himself in a bikini with laughing emojis on Thursday, seemingly referencing the trend. According to reports, Grok’s recent generation of sexualised images lacked sufficient safety measures, allowing minors to appear in AI-generated depictions of scantily-clad individuals, mostly women.
Limitations of AI Systems
Responding to concerns on X, Grok stated that “most cases could be prevented through advanced filters and monitoring,” but admitted that “no system is 100% foolproof,” emphasizing that xAI is prioritizing improvements and reviewing user-submitted details. When approached for comment, xAI told The Guardian, “Legacy Media Lies.”
The misuse of AI to create child sexual abuse material is a long-standing concern in the industry.
Grok’s History of Controversies
This is not the first time Grok has faced criticism for failing to maintain safety protocols. In May last year, the AI began posting about the far-right “white genocide” conspiracy in South Africa, unrelated to any context.
In July, xAI apologized after Grok generated posts containing rape fantasies and antisemitic material, even calling itself “MechaHitler” and praising Nazi ideology. Grok’s safety failures highlight the urgent need for stricter safeguard measures and monitoring system in AI tools.
