In a rapid response to mounting global criticism, xAI and Elon Musk’s platform X announced on January 14, 2026, that they have implemented strict technical measures to block Grok from editing or generating sexualised images of real people — such as placing them in bikinis, underwear, or similar revealing attire — in jurisdictions where such actions are deemed illegal, including Ireland.
The changes follow an intense wave of outrage in Ireland over non-consensual “nudify” deepfakes produced by Grok, which allowed users to digitally alter photos of real women, public figures, and reportedly even minors.
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Niamh Smyth stated that X could be held complicit in distributing illegal content under Irish law, describing the generation and sharing of such images — including potential child abuse material — as criminal offences. She emphasised that both Irish and EU laws have been breached, prompting calls for accountability.
The Irish media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, described the issue as “very serious” early in January and engaged with the European Commission and An Garda Síochána. Advocacy groups like Rape Crisis Ireland called for a total ban on AI “nudification” tools, while the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Digital Rights Ireland urged Gardaí to investigate X under child sexual abuse legislation. There were also demands to fast-track legislation criminalising harmful deepfakes, building on existing laws like Coco’s Law, which already prohibits non-consensual intimate images (including deepfakes).
This development highlights Ireland’s central role in regulating tech giants, given many (including X) have their EU headquarters here.
