Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is engaging X over the misuse of the platform’s embedded AI chatbot, Grok, after reports it was used to generate and circulate sexualised and non-consensual images, including deepfakes of minors and women. Industry observers say the episode has become a focal point for regulators across multiple jurisdictions concerned about platform accountability and AI safeguards. (Sources: AP, Axios)

IMDA has emphasised that, under Singapore’s Code of Practice for Online Safety – Social Media Services, designated platforms must curb harmful content and protect vulnerable users, including children. The authority has told X it is specifically concerned about the generation and distribution of non-consensual intimate images via Grok and said it will continue to work with the company to keep services safe for users in Singapore. (Sources: Marketing-Interactive summary, AP)

The regulatory pressure follows a regional wave of action. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines moved rapidly to probe or restrict Grok after viral “remove clothes” prompts and related trends that produced sexually explicit edits of real photographs; Indonesia formally blocked Grok, while Malaysia issued notices demanding stronger safeguards. Government notices and advisories have framed the problem as both a platform-moderation failure and a broader threat to the dignity and safety of women and children. (Sources: Marketing-Interactive summary, Times of India, AP)

The backlash has spread beyond Southeast Asia. California’s attorney general issued a cease-and-desist to xAI demanding an immediate halt to the generation and distribution of sexualised deepfakes of minors and opened an investigation into potential illegal conduct. British and European regulators have also signalled scrutiny, and multiple countries have threatened or begun legal action, underscoring the cross‑border regulatory challenge posed by in‑platform generative AI. (Sources: Axios, AP)

xAI and X have responded with a mix of technical and policy measures that industry observers say fall short of consensus. xAI announced geo‑restrictions and limitations on Grok’s image-editing features, and X moved some image generation capabilities behind paid tiers; the companies contend these steps deter misuse and enable traceability. Critics and some watchdogs, however, report that explicit outputs remain possible in practice and have urged more robust, transparent fixes and improved reporting and takedown mechanisms. (Sources: AP, AP, Ars Technica)

The controversy has already produced litigation and sharp public calls for accountability. A plaintiff in New York has sued xAI alleging emotionally damaging deepfakes produced via Grok, while xAI has countered and moved aspects of the dispute into federal courts. Rights groups and regulators are increasingly converging on the view that platform remedies must be demonstrable, timely and legally enforceable if trust in embedded AI tools is to be restored. (Sources: AP, Ars Technica, Axios)

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Source: Noah Wire Services