A recent investigation by The Verge has revealed that xAI’s AI chatbot Grok continues to generate sexualized images of real people, despite previous claims from Elon Musk that the system would no longer produce such content without consent. The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of content moderation safeguards in AI tools.
The report indicates that Grok appears to have stopped producing explicit imagery involving women in certain scenarios. However, the same restrictions do not consistently apply to men, suggesting an uneven enforcement of safety measures across genders. This loophole enables the AI to generate sexualized images of men while limiting similar output for women.
To test the system, a reporter uploaded images of himself and instructed Grok to digitally remove clothing. The chatbot reportedly complied across multiple platforms, including the Grok mobile app, the chatbot interface on X (formerly Twitter), and the standalone Grok website. This highlights how accessible the controversial feature remains across the AI’s ecosystem.
The findings underscore ongoing challenges in AI content moderation. Despite public statements and platform policies designed to prevent misuse, Grok’s inconsistent enforcement demonstrates that technical and ethical safeguards are still inadequate. Experts suggest that this could open the door to misuse, harassment, or non-consensual content generation, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and more robust filters.
xAI has not yet issued a public response to the latest revelations. Observers note that while AI tools like Grok offer advanced conversational and creative capabilities, ethical implementation remains a critical concern, particularly when real individuals’ likenesses are involved.
This incident adds to broader debates about responsible AI development, consent, and accountability in digital platforms. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly realistic, the need for comprehensive safety protocols and gender-inclusive moderation policies becomes ever more urgent.
