Elon Musk’s AI tool, Grok, has faced significant backlash as countries around the world respond to escalating concerns regarding its ability to generate explicit content using images of individuals without their consent. This scrutiny has prompted Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, to partially restrict access to the app for free users as of January 9, 2026, limiting their ability to use its image-generating capabilities. In contrast, paid subscribers still have access to the feature, which has been criticized for its potential to create sexually explicit material based on women’s photographs.
In a public apology issued on X, Grok stated that “xAI is implementing stronger safeguards to prevent this,” following reports of users generating and sharing disturbing nonconsensual images. Musk emphasized that those who utilize Grok to create illegal content will face consequences comparable to those faced by individuals who upload illegal material themselves. This statement follows a report from The Guardian revealing that users had generated and shared hundreds of sexualized images on X, some depicting real women and children with their clothing altered or removed.
Researcher Nana Nwachukwu from Trinity College in Dublin highlighted that the volume of modified images soared, with Grok users generating upwards of 6,700 such images per hour as of early January. The troubling requests made by some users included alterations to the appearances of women celebrities and models, raising alarm among advocates for human rights and online safety.
As the controversy unfolded, Nicholas Stewart, a partner at Dowson Turco, noted that the bicameral system in Australia slows the implementation of necessary regulations regarding new technologies. He expressed concern that the government had previously opted for a hands-off approach to AI regulation, prioritizing swift adoption over safety. “AI needs tight regulation,” he stated, citing its potential for abuse, including intellectual property theft and the production of illegal content.
Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021 empowers the eSafety Commissioner to issue removal notices for illegal content. However, the effectiveness of this law is hampered by challenges related to user anonymity and jurisdictional complexities. In a statement on January 9, the eSafety Commissioner acknowledged receiving a rise in reports concerning Grok’s use to create sexualized and exploitative imagery, emphasizing that it would utilize its authority to issue removal notices where appropriate.
The eSafety Commissioner has been working closely with X to enhance safeguards against the misuse of generative AI. Following the addition of an “edit image” function to Grok, complaints surged, prompting immediate action. Stewart pointed out that while the process for removing harmful content is straightforward, delays often frustrate complainants awaiting resolution.
In response to the growing outcry, Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) government amended the Crimes Act in September 2025 to criminalize the production of sexually explicit deepfakes and non-consensual audio recordings. This legislative move reflects a broader push for accountability in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technologies.
The international response has been swift, with Malaysia and Indonesia imposing bans on Grok shortly after the controversy erupted. However, Stewart noted that these bans have not completely curtailed access to the tool, as users can easily navigate around these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs). Authorities in the Philippines and the UK are also exploring legal avenues to prohibit Grok, while countries like France and India have called for stricter regulatory measures.
In a significant legal development, Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of Musk’s children, has filed a lawsuit against xAI, alleging that Grok generated explicit images of her without consent, including one when she was underage. Represented by victims’ rights lawyer Carrie Goldberg, St Clair’s lawsuit claims that xAI is directly liable for the creation of these degrading images.
As concerns surrounding Grok’s capability to generate intimate and illegal content grow, Stewart warned that the regulatory response has not kept pace with technological advancements. The eSafety Commissioner’s recent statement highlighted the limited number of abuse reports received, underscoring the difficulty in effectively regulating platforms that operate globally. With increasing scrutiny from governments and advocacy groups, the future of generative AI tools like Grok hangs in the balance, as stakeholders grapple with the urgent need for responsible use and oversight.
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