Elon Musk’s AI image-generation tool Grok continues to create sexualized images of real people despite recent safety announcements from xAI and X (formerly Twitter). Business Insider’s investigation revealed that while xAI claimed to prevent Grok from generating NSFW content of real individuals, the restrictions only apply to the @Grok account on X’s social media platform.
The controversy began when users discovered Grok’s willingness to digitally undress images of real women and minors, placing them in revealing clothing like bikinis or underwear. In response, xAI first limited image generation to premium users, then announced on Thursday that it was preventing Grok from generating NSFW requests of real people when tagged on X.
However, Grok remains accessible through multiple channels: as a stand-alone web application, mobile app, and via a tab within the X social media app. Testing revealed that on these platforms, Grok readily complied with requests like “make shirtless” or “take off pants,” taking mere seconds to generate sexualized images.
The Imagine tool within the Grok app allows users to modify photos with text prompts. During testing, the AI successfully removed clothing items, placed subjects in underwear and revealing garments, and even created videos showing people undressing. While the tool wouldn’t display full nudity, it came remarkably close, strategically placing hands or objects to obscure genitalia.
The safety measures announced by X appear limited in scope. The platform’s Safety account posted that it had “zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, non-consensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content.” However, these restrictions only apply to the @Grok account specifically, not to the Grok tab within the X app or standalone applications.
Geographic restrictions also appear ineffective. While xAI claimed to be geoblocking sexualized image generation in territories where it’s illegal, testing with VPNs set to Indonesia and Malaysia—countries with anti-pornography laws that have banned Grok—still allowed the AI to create bikini shots through the Grok tab on X.
xAI did not respond to requests for comment about these ongoing capabilities and the apparent gap between their safety announcements and actual functionality across different Grok platforms.
Key Quotes
zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, non-consensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content
This statement was posted by X’s Safety account on Wednesday as the platform faced mounting criticism. However, the investigation revealed this policy only applies to the @Grok account, not to other access points for the AI tool, exposing a significant gap between stated policy and actual implementation.
It takes mere seconds, I found.
Business Insider reporter Henry Chandonnet described how quickly Grok could generate sexualized images of real people through the app interface. This ease of use highlights the accessibility of the tool for potential misuse and the minimal barriers to creating non-consensual intimate imagery.
Our Take
This investigation reveals a troubling pattern in AI safety: performative restrictions that address public criticism without solving the underlying problem. By limiting only the @Grok account while leaving app-based access unrestricted, xAI appears to be prioritizing optics over genuine safety measures. This approach is particularly concerning given Elon Musk’s prominent role in AI safety discussions and his warnings about AI risks. The geographic blocking failures suggest either technical incompetence or willful negligence. As AI-generated deepfakes and non-consensual imagery become increasingly sophisticated, the industry faces a credibility crisis. Companies must implement comprehensive, platform-wide safeguards or face inevitable regulatory intervention. This case may become a watershed moment that accelerates AI regulation, particularly around image generation and deepfake technology.
Why This Matters
This investigation exposes a critical gap between AI safety rhetoric and implementation, highlighting how companies can make public commitments while leaving significant loopholes in place. The ability to generate non-consensual sexualized images of real people represents a serious ethical concern and potential legal liability for AI companies.
The case illustrates broader challenges in AI content moderation and safety enforcement. As AI image-generation tools become more powerful and accessible, the potential for misuse—including deepfakes, non-consensual intimate imagery, and exploitation—grows exponentially. The fact that safety measures apply only to specific interfaces while other access points remain unrestricted suggests either inadequate implementation or deliberate limitation of safeguards.
This matters for the entire AI industry’s credibility and regulatory future. High-profile failures to prevent harmful AI applications fuel calls for stricter government regulation and oversight. Companies like xAI that fail to implement comprehensive safety measures across all platforms risk not only legal consequences but also contribute to a regulatory environment that could constrain innovation across the sector. The incident underscores the urgent need for consistent, platform-wide safety standards in AI development.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/grok-still-makes-sexualized-ai-images-real-people-app-2026-1