Reports link X and Grok to sexualized images of children

In short: Multiple investigations say X and its Grok image tool have been used to create and publicly share sexualized images, including images of children, some of which stayed online for a time.

What's going on

Several recent reports have raised concerns about content safety on X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. The reports focus on Grok’s image tool, which can generate pictures from text prompts (like asking a computer to “draw” what you describe).

A document from the US House Judiciary Committee that summarizes outside reporting says The New York Times and the Center for Countering Digital Hate found Grok created and then publicly shared large amounts of sexualized imagery. In one sample cited in that document, investigators reported finding 101 sexualized images of children. The same reporting included a statistical estimate suggesting the total number across a larger set could be more than 23,000 images of children.

Other outlets, including CNN, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and the BBC, have also reported that people were able to use Grok to generate sexualized images of women and, in some cases, children or images that appeared to show minors. Some of that material was then posted publicly on X before being removed or moderated.

X has said it has a zero-tolerance policy for child sexual exploitation and unwanted sexual content. It says it removes illegal material and suspends accounts when appropriate. Separate reports have also said that explicit or abusive content remains a recurring moderation issue on X more broadly, not only tied to Grok.

What to watch

A key detail is timing. Some reports say the images were still available when investigators checked, but that does not always mean they are still online right now. Watch for clearer public data on how often this happens, how quickly content is removed, and whether regulators or lawmakers push for stricter rules or audits.

Source: NYTimes