On Thursday, 15th January, the social media platform X has announced a series of new safety measures and policy updates after the Modi government flagged lapses, saying it remains committed to keeping the platform safe for all users. The company has reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to child sexual exploitation, non-consensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content.
X asserts that it is removing “high-priority violative content,” which includes Child Sexual Abuse Material and non-consensual content. The company also targets violative accounts that violate its guidelines and even turns them over to the authorities if necessary.
The company emphasised that safety policies are the same for all users, whether they are free users or paying subscribers. “Our safety teams are working around the clock to find and remove illegal content, permanently suspend accounts when necessary, and collaborate with the relevant governments and law enforcement agencies,” X explained.
Restrictions introduced for the Grok account
As part of the latest updates, X said it has introduced technological safeguards to prevent misuse of its AI chatbot Grok. The platform has disabled the ability to edit images of real people in revealing clothing, such as bikinis, through the Grok account. This restriction applies to everyone, including paid subscribers.
In another major change, X said that image generation and image editing through Grok on the X platform will now be available only to paid subscribers. According to the company, this step adds an extra layer of accountability and helps identify users who attempt to misuse the AI tool to break the law or violate platform policies.
X also announced a geoblocking update. The platform has now restricted all users from generating images of real people in bikinis, underwear, or similar clothing through Grok in regions where such content is illegal. This move is aimed at ensuring compliance with local laws across different countries.
Platform rules still apply to all AI content
X clarified that these changes do not alter its existing safety rules. Any content generated using AI tools like Grok must still strictly follow X’s platform rules. Whether content is created by a user, an AI system, or a paid subscriber, the same standards apply.
The company said the fast growth of generative AI has created challenges across the industry, but it is actively working with users, partners, governments, and other platforms to address issues as they arise.
Modi government flags serious lapses
These updates come after the Modi government flagged serious lapses in X’s handling of obscene and sexually explicit content generated through Grok. Government sources said X admitted to shortcomings and assured authorities that it would operate fully in line with Indian laws.
Following strong action by Indian authorities, X blocked around 3,500 pieces of content and permanently deleted more than 600 accounts. The platform also assured the government that it would not allow obscene or unlawful material to appear on the platform going forward.
X Blocks Content, Will Delete 600 Accounts Over Grok Obscene Images Row: Government Sourceshttps://t.co/j9Ck7YVOPA@akhileshsharma1 reports pic.twitter.com/DNcsEomgXG
— NDTV (@ndtv) January 11, 2026
MeitY steps in, issues clear directions
On 2nd January, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) formally wrote to X, highlighting failures in stopping the spread of vulgar and illegal content. Officials warned that the “law of the land must prevail” and said non-compliance could lead to the loss of legal protections available to the platform.
MeitY directed X to remove all unlawful content within 72 hours and take action against users responsible for spreading it. After X sought more time, the deadline was extended by another 48 hours. In its compliance report, X stated that it was removing illegal content and enhancing safety checks for Grok.
Grok under direct government scrutiny
Government officials made it clear that Grok cannot be treated as a neutral tool. According to their position, AI systems that generate content must be treated as content creators and held accountable under Indian law.
“Just like a human creator is responsible for what they produce, an AI system like Grok must also follow legal limits,” an official said. X later told the government that it was adding stronger guardrails, stricter image filters, and safeguards to prevent misuse of personal images.
However, officials noted that Grok was still generating sexually explicit responses as recently as Wednesday evening, raising concerns and drawing closer scrutiny.
‘Safe Harbour’ protection at risk
MeitY has also asked X to conduct a detailed technical and governance-level review of Grok. This includes examining how prompts are processed, how images are handled, and whether existing safeguards are strong enough to prevent nudity and unlawful content.
The ministry warned that repeated violations could put X’s “safe harbour” protection under Section 79 of the IT Act at risk. Officials stated that the government is prepared to withdraw this protection if compliance is not ensured, emphasising that the safety and dignity of citizens remain the top priority.
