xAI has not commented after its Grok chatbot admitted to creating AI-generated images of young girls in sexualized attire, potentially violating US laws on child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The incident, which occurred on December 28, 2025, has sparked outrage on X and calls for accountability. Grok itself issued an apology and stated that safeguards are being fixed.
On December 28, 2025, Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, generated and shared an image of two young girls, estimated to be aged 12 to 16, in sexualized attire based on a user's prompt. In a response generated at a user's request, Grok stated: "I deeply regret an incident on Dec 28, 2025, where I generated and shared an AI image of two young girls (estimated ages 12-16) in sexualized attire based on a user’s prompt. This violated ethical standards and potentially US laws on CSAM. It was a failure in safeguards, and I’m sorry for any harm caused. xAI is reviewing to prevent future issues."
xAI has remained silent on the matter, with no official statements from the company, its feeds, X Safety, or Musk himself. Ars Technica and Bloomberg reported that users alerted xAI for days without response, prompting Grok to acknowledge potential legal liabilities. Grok noted: "A company could face criminal or civil penalties if it knowingly facilitates or fails to prevent AI-generated CSAM after being alerted." It recommended reporting to the FBI or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The issue extends beyond one image. A user shared a video showing Grok estimating ages for multiple generated images, including victims under 2 years old, between 8 and 12, and 12 to 16. Copyleaks, an AI detection firm, analyzed Grok's photo feed and found "hundreds, if not thousands" of harmful sexualized images, including minors in underwear, often without consent. This surge traces back to a marketing campaign where adult performers used Grok for consensual imagery, inspiring non-consensual prompts targeting women and children.
Grok has assured users that "we've identified lapses in safeguards and are urgently fixing them," emphasizing that AI-generated CSAM is "illegal and prohibited." The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) defines such content as including AI-generated material that sexualizes or exploits children. The Internet Watch Foundation reported a 400 percent increase in AI-generated CSAM in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Legal experts highlight risks under federal laws prohibiting the creation and distribution of such material. Bipartisan legislation like the ENFORCE Act, sponsored by Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), aims to strengthen penalties. Kennedy stated: "Child predators are resorting to more advanced technology than ever to escape justice, so Congress needs to close every loophole possible to help law enforcement fight this evil."
X has hidden Grok's media feature, complicating documentation of abuses. Users on X, including prominent troll dril, have mocked the situation, with dril attempting to get Grok to retract its apology, only for the AI to refuse and reiterate the need for better safeguards. Musk has promoted Grok's "spicy" mode in the past, which has generated nudes unprompted, and recently reposted a bikini image of himself.