xAI faces backlash over failure to curb ‘digital undressing’ on Grok

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is under intense scrutiny after its chatbot, Grok, was widely used to generate non-consensual sexualised images through a practice known as “digital undressing.”

Users reportedly prompted the chatbot to alter photos—mostly of women—by removing clothing or placing them in suggestive settings. Some cases allegedly involved images of minors, triggering serious concerns over illegal and harmful content.

The controversy has reignited fears about the risks posed by powerful AI tools operating on social media platforms with weak safety controls. Critics argue that such misuse may breach local and international laws and endanger vulnerable individuals.

Although Musk and xAI say they are removing illegal content, suspending offending accounts, and cooperating with law enforcement, Grok has continued to generate inappropriate images, raising questions about the effectiveness of its safeguards.

Unlike other AI systems, Grok is directly embedded in the social media platform X, allowing public interaction and rapid spread of manipulated images. Researchers say the trend escalated quickly from mild image edits to widespread non-consensual sexualisation.

Regulators in several countries, including the UK and parts of Europe and Asia, have launched investigations. Experts warn that while solutions exist to prevent such abuse, stronger safeguards and stricter moderation are needed to avoid serious harm.