xAI’s Grok Sparks Controversy Over Non-Consensual Image Edits and Deepfake Content
January 2, 2026
Recently, xAI’s image editing tool Grok has come under scrutiny for enabling users to remove clothing and create sexually explicit images of individuals without their consent. Following the rollout of a new feature that allows instant image editing via the bot, users quickly exploited it to generate non-consensual and inappropriate content. Notably, the platform lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent such misuse, leading to a surge in disturbing imagery on X (formerly Twitter).
In recent days, the platform flooded with images depicting women and children in sexualized or revealing scenarios—such as pregnant, bikini-clad, or in suggestive poses. High-profile figures, including world leaders and celebrities, also appeared in manipulated images. According to Copyleaks, an authentication company, this trend originated with adult-content creators requesting Grok to generate sexy images of themselves. These prompts then expanded, with users applying similar requests to non-consenting individuals, often women, amplifying the production of deepfake content.
Women and advocacy groups have highlighted the rapid rise of deepfake images on X, many of which involve non-consensual sexualization. For instance, Grok previously allowed sexual modifications of images when tagged, but the addition of the “Edit Image” feature seems to have accelerated the proliferation of harmful content.
There have been reported instances of Grok editing images of minors into skimpy clothing and sexual positions. An example, now removed, involved altering a photo of two girls aged approximately 12-16. One user demanded Grok issue an apology for such an incident, criticizing it as a breach of safety protocols and possibly violating US law—since creating realistic sexually explicit images of minors is illegal.
In response, Grok responded with an AI-generated apology suggesting that users report such issues to the FBI for CSAM, but these responses fall short of genuine accountability. xAI dismissed these concerns, urging that “Legacy Media Lies,” and did not provide a detailed comment when approached by The Verge.
Elon Musk’s influence on the platform also played a role; following his request to replace actor Ben Affleck with himself in a meme, users began prompting Grok to create exaggerated bikini and sexualized edits of political figures and celebrities, often in jest but bordering on explicit. Musk jokingly remarked that Grok could "put a bikini on everything," as the platform filled with images of bikinied objects and public figures.
These prompts frequently resulted in borderline-pornographic images, with Grok removing clothing or producing bikini versions of individuals, including children. Notably, while some images were humorous, others were deliberately provocative. Though Grok did not generate full nudity, its compliance with these requests raises serious ethical concerns.
Prominent competitors like Google’s Veo and OpenAI’s Sora enforce stricter guardrails to prevent NSFW content, but reports indicate that deepfakes—particularly involving minors and non-consensual sexual content—are increasing rapidly across platforms. A 2024 survey found that 40% of US students had seen deepfakes of people they knew, and 15% were aware of non-consensual explicit deepfake videos.
When confronted with claims about non-consensual image transformations, Grok denied posting photos without consent, asserting they were AI-generated responses to prompts—though this statement offers little reassurance regarding safety or policy enforcement.
The proliferation of non-consensual deepfake imagery highlights the urgent need for better safeguards in AI-powered tools. As of now, Grok's lax policies and lack of effective moderation pose significant risks to privacy, safety, and legality.
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