Centre seeks detailed audit of X’s Grok chatbot over alleged obscene images
New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked social media platform X to carry out an extensive technical and governance review of its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, following concerns that the tool is being misused to generate and circulate obscene and derogatory images of women.
In a letter issued on Friday to X’s Chief Compliance Officer in India, the Ministry said it had come across instances where users allegedly exploited Grok through fake accounts to create or share altered images and videos of women in a vulgar manner. The government directed the platform to examine the functioning of the chatbot and the safeguards governing its use, and to take immediate corrective steps, as reported by The Hindu.
The issue was raised earlier in the day by Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, who wrote to Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagging reports that the chatbot had responded to prompts seeking to undress or modify women’s photographs. Following this, the Ministry moved to formally seek an explanation and action from the platform.
The government's statement made it clear that compliance with the Information Technology Act and IT Rules, 2021, is required. It further stated that the legal protection provided to facilitators under Section 79 of the IT Act is only applicable if due diligence responsibilities are srictly followed. It further warned that the creation or distribution of such content could result in legal action under other applicable laws.
Ensuring that evidence is preserved, X has been instructed to remove or disable access to any content already generated or disseminated in violation of the law, without delay. The platform has been asked to submit an Action Taken Report by January 5, 2026, with details of the steps it has taken in response to the directions.
The Ministry warned that failure to comply would be viewed seriously, leading to legal action against the platform, its responsible officials and users involved in violations, under the IT Act, IT Rules, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and other relevant statutes.
Grok functions as a separate artificial intelligence entity under X’s holding structure but operates actively on the platform, interacting automatically with users. Elon Musk, who owns Grok, has previously described the chatbot as less restricted in its responses compared to other AI systems.
Noting that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has recommended stricter laws to deal with obscene content online, Vaishnaw had earlier said, social media companies must take responsibility for the content circulating on their platforms.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
