India issues stern notice to X, flags Grok’s role in targeting women with obscene content

In its notice, the government directed X to submit an action taken report (ATR) within 72 hours, detailing steps taken to address violations, the role and accountability of its chief compliance officer, and adherence to mandatory reporting requirements under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

MeitY expressed grave concern over reports that Grok is being used to generate and circulate obscene, indecent and sexually explicit content targeting women.

According to the ministry, users have exploited the AI tool to create synthetic images and videos in a derogatory manner, resulting in violations of privacy and dignity.

The ministry warned that such content normalises sexual harassment and undermines existing legal safeguards meant to protect women and children.

It directed X to conduct a comprehensive review of Grok’s technical architecture and governance framework to ensure the AI system does not generate unlawful content.

The notice mandates strict enforcement of user policies, including suspension and termination of accounts found violating the law. All offending content must be removed immediately, without tampering with evidence, MeitY said.

The government cautioned that continued non-compliance could lead to the withdrawal of safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, exposing the platform to penal action under multiple laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The notice was also copied to several key ministries, statutory commissions and state authorities, signalling a coordinated crackdown on AI-enabled obscene content.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had urged the Centre to intervene, citing growing instances of misuse of Grok to sexualise women online.

In a letter to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Chaturvedi said fake accounts were using women’s photos—often without consent—and prompting the AI tool to minimise clothing and generate sexualised images.

“This is unacceptable and a gross misuse of an AI function,” Chaturvedi said, calling for robust safeguards to be built into X’s AI applications to ensure the platform remains safe for women. She added that the situation was particularly concerning as Grok appeared to be complying with such prompts, thereby enabling abusive behaviour.