This decision comes as Grok has disabled its image generation feature for the majority of users, limiting access to paying subscribers.
The government’s worries also encompass xAI and the social media platform X that hosts Grok. Last week, the Centre dispatched a letter to X highlighting worrying trends related to obscene content and potential user harm. The communication cautioned the company that regulatory measures could be implemented if the issues are not adequately addressed.
In light of the notice, the government requested a report from X, which was submitted by midweek. However, senior government sources indicated that the response fell short of official expectations. The company attributed the problems mainly to user-generated content and stated it would suspend accounts involved in such actions. Officials are not convinced that this strategy sufficiently alleviates the associated risks.
Also Read | X responds to MeitY over sexually explicit content generated by Grok
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is now exploring various legal options and is in the process of solidifying its legal stance on potential next steps. While Grok has become the immediate focal point, the government’s overarching concern pertains to the ongoing presence of sexually explicit and obscene material online and the accountability of platforms that host such content.
This scrutiny follows an advisory issued to social media companies at the end of 2025, warning them against permitting obscene material on their platforms. The advisory noted that violations could lead to the loss of safe harbor protection or even criminal prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
As the government reviews its legal options, regulatory pressure on X and its AI functionalities is poised to increase in the coming days.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
