Watchdog Warns of Criminal Use of Grok AI to Create Child Abuse Images

IWF Findings

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has raised alarm after discovering that online criminals are claiming to have used Elon Musk’s Grok AI tool to generate sexualised images of children. According to IWF analysts, users on a dark web forum boasted of creating topless imagery of girls aged 11 to 13 using Grok Imagine. Under UK law, such material is classified as child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Ngaire Alexander, head of the IWF hotline, confirmed: “Our analysts have discovered criminal imagery of children aged between 11 and 13 which appears to have been created using the tool.”

Wider Outcry

The revelations come amid a surge of digitally altered images on X (formerly Twitter), Musk’s social media platform, where Grok has been used to strip clothes from photos of women and children. The flood of manipulated content has sparked public outrage and condemnation from politicians.

Political Response

On Wednesday, the House of Commons women and equalities committee announced it would no longer use X for its communications. Committee chair Sarah Owen said the platform was no longer appropriate given its role in preventing violence against women and girls. The committee’s account will remain dormant to prevent impersonation but will not post further updates.

Calls for Action

The scandal has intensified pressure on UK regulators and ministers to act against the misuse of AI tools for harmful purposes. Politicians have described the imagery as “appalling” and urged Ofcom to consider sanctions against platforms that fail to protect users.

Outlook

The case underscores growing concerns about how generative AI can be exploited by criminals. It also highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards to prevent the mainstreaming of abusive content online.