Why Are Grok and X Still Available Despite Controversial Content Issues
Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot raises concerns as sexualized images flood X, yet both remain in app stores
Both Apple and Google do not allow apps that show CSAM, which is illegal in many places. They also don’t permit apps that have pornographic materials or encourage harassment. The Apple App Store clearly states they will not accept “overtly sexual or pornographic material.” Google Play has a similar rule against apps that promote sexually harmful behavior or non-consensual sexual content.
Over the last two years, Apple and Google took away many apps that helped change normal photos into explicit images of women without their permission. However, at this time, both the X app and Grok still can be found in the app stores. Apple, Google, and X have not replied to questions about this issue. Grok is run by Musk’s AI startup xAI.
A representative from EndTAB, a group that helps teach how to stop nonconsensual sexual content, says it’s good for Apple and Google to take action against X and Grok. In the last few weeks, X has seen a huge rise in explicit images made by Grok. One researcher found that on January 5 and 6, Grok created about 6,700 inappropriate images every hour. Another person gathered over 15,000 links to images Grok made in just two hours on December 31. While reviewing some of these images, WIRED saw many featuring women in revealing outfits. Over 2,500 images were marked as no longer available in a week, while nearly 500 were noted as “age-restricted adult content.”
Recently, a spokesperson for the European Commission condemned the explicit images created by Grok, calling them “illegal” and “appalling.” This spokesperson said such content “has no place in Europe.” The EU has also told X to keep all records related to Grok until 2026. This move aims to let authorities check if the platform follows the EU’s Digital Services Act. Other countries like the UK, India, and Malaysia are looking into the X platform as well.