Global Crackdown on Elon Musk's Grok AI: A Legal Tug-of-War

Governments and regulators worldwide are taking action against sexually explicit content generated by Elon Musk's xAI chatbot, Grok. Key regions like Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania are launching investigations, imposing bans, and demanding safeguards. xAI has responded with user restrictions to curb illegal content dissemination.

Regulators across the globe are intensifying efforts to clamp down on sexually explicit content generated by Elon Musk's xAI chatbot, Grok. Authorities from Europe to Asia are conducting probes, imposing restrictions, and demanding enhanced safeguards to mitigate the spread of illegal material.

In Europe, significant moves have been made. The European Commission has mandated the retention of Grok-related documents until 2026 amidst concerns about sexualised imagery. Ofcom in Britain is investigating the potential violation of online safety statutes, while authorities in France and Germany are pressing for stricter compliance and legal actions. Similarly, Italy and Sweden have issued stern warnings about potential privacy violations and criminal offenses.

Asia is not lagging behind, with India, Indonesia, and Malaysia initiating actions ranging from notices to legal moves. Meanwhile, in North America, Californian officials are seeking answers from xAI. In Oceania, Australia's eSafety commission is reviewing Grok's contributions to digitally undressed images. In response, xAI has restricted image-editing capabilities, limiting these features to paying subscribers only, as part of its measures to prevent illegal use.

(With inputs from agencies.)