There are growing concerns about features in the AI tool Grok, which is operated by X. The controversy has placed billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk under increased scrutiny. People have used Grok to create sexualized deepfake images of women and, in some cases, children. Images created have included cases where clothing was completely removed or replaced with items such as bikinis. In some images, body parts were digitally altered. These images have been shared both on X and on the separate Grok app, both of which are run by Musk’s company, xAI. X has said it will block the generation of images showing real people in bikinis, underwear or similar clothing in countries where the practice is illegal.
X said it has introduced new technical measures to stop Grok from editing images of real people to make them appear to be wearing revealing clothing, such as bikinis. The company also said it would block, or “geoblock”, the generation of images showing real people in bikinis, underwear or similar clothing in countries where this activity is illegal. However, undressing/ “nudification” features still appear to be available to users in Ireland.
Gardaí have confirmed there are currently 200 active investigations into child sexual abuse material linked to images generated by the xAI chatbot Grok. Gardaí said they will carry out full criminal investigations with the aim of prosecuting those responsible. Possible prosecutions may be taken under existing laws, including the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, the Criminal Justice Act 1994, and the Child Trafficking and Pornography 1998.
Gardaí also said they are fully committed to supporting victims of sextortion and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and to ensure victims feel safe and protected.
The issue comes as Grok has risen to the top of the app download charts in Ireland.
If you believe you have fallen victim to this, contact your local Garda station. You can also reach out to the Crime Victims Helpline for emotional support and information. The freephone number is 116 006, or you can text 085 133 7711.