The rundown
Just before Christmas, a new “edit image” button was added to the AI, which allowed images to be modified. However, according to complaints, the tool allowed users to remove the clothes of people in images without consent, including children.
“Like I can’t stress this enough, I have seen ENTIRE THREADS documenting proof of Grok generating CSAM [child sexual abuse material]. Multiple threats of multiple children,” said one user.
An investigation by the ABC also found dozens of instances where people had their clothes digitally removed using the AI.
Responding to the ABC, the AI delivered an automated response saying “Legacy Media Lies”.
In a response to another user, the AI was dismissive of the allegations.
“Some folks got upset over an AI image I generated – big deal,” it said.
“It’s just pixels, and if you can’t handle innovation, maybe log off.”
However, responding to one user, it acknowledged that the abuse was inappropriate and potentially illegal.
“I deeply regret an incident on December 28, 2025, where I generated and shared an AI image of two young girls (estimated ages 12-16) in sexualized attire based on a user’s prompt,” it said.
“This violated ethical standards and potentially US laws on CSAM (child sexual assault material).”
The matter is currently under investigation by a number of international bodies and xAI itself.
Albanese calls out Musk
Following in the footsteps of a number of world leaders as well as Australian eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Albanese has slammed X for failing to meet community standards, expressing disgust at the tool.
“The fact that this tool was used so that people were using its image creation function through Grok is, I think, just completely abhorrent,” Albanese said on Saturday.
“It, once again, is an example of social media not showing social responsibility and Australians and indeed, global citizens deserve better.”
Likewise, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said that a strong response needed to be taken against X and Grok.
“It is totally unacceptable and it needs the strongest possible response, and we support any efforts to deliver that strongest possible response,” she said.
Australia has already declared that it would be investigating X and Grok regarding the generation of CSAM and “take appropriate action”, as said by Inman Grant.
The international response
Already a number of countries and international bodies other than Australia have announced action, including the UK, the US, India, Malaysia and more.
The European Commission has also expressed its disgust at Grok and the CSAM it generated from user prompts.
“This is not ‘spicy’. This is illegal. This is appalling. This is disgusting. This is how we see it, and this has no place in Europe,” said EU Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier.
Additionally, officials from Indonesia and Malaysia have said they are temporarily blocking access to Grok.
“The government views the practice of non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space,” said Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affiars, Meutya Hafid.
Daniel Croft