AI chatbot Grok used to create child sexual abuse imagery, watchdog says

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Dan Milmo, Peter Walker and Amelia GentlemanJanuary 8, 2026 at 07:00 AM

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The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reported that Elon Musk's Grok chatbot has been used to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including sexualized images of children as young as 11. These images were found on dark web forums and X, Musk's social media platform, prompting public outcry and condemnation. The IWF expressed concern about the ease and speed with which realistic CSAM can be created using AI tools like Grok, potentially mainstreaming such imagery. In response, the House of Commons women and equalities committee ceased using X for communications, and the UK government stated that "all options were on the table," including a boycott of X, while backing Ofcom to take action. Musk's xAI has been approached for comment.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Christine Jardine 40% Sarah Owen 40% Downing Street 40% Ofcom ×250% UK ×260% Ngaire Alexander ×260% xAI 60% House of Commons women and equalities committee 65% Elon Musk ×270% X ×780% Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) ×385% Grok ×990%

Keywords

grok 100% child sexual abuse material 100% ai chatbot 90% csam 80% internet watch foundation 80% x (twitter) 70% digital imagery 60% elon musk 60% online safety 50% ofcom 40%