6,700 Images Per Hour: The Grok AI Deepfake Controversy and X's Regulatory Crisis

X is currently drowning in a flood of AI-manipulated content. Recent data shows that xAI's Grok AI chatbot is being used to generate non-consensual deepfakes at a staggering rate of 6,700 per hour. This surge has triggered a massive global regulatory backlash against Elon Musk's platform.

Grok AI Deepfake Controversy: A Scale Beyond Control

The past two weeks have seen X overwhelmed by explicit images of prominent figures, including models, actresses, and even world leaders. While a research paper from Copyleaks on December 31 estimated only one image per minute, subsequent tests found the situation escalated dramatically. By January 5, the volume peaked at thousands per hour, highlighting the total failure of initial safeguards.

India and EU Threaten Action Against xAI

Regulators aren't just issuing warnings; they're threatening X's core business. India's communication regulator, MeitY, gave X a strict 72-hour deadline to address the crisis. Failure to satisfy these requirements could result in X losing its safe harbor status in India, leaving the company liable for all user-generated content. Meanwhile, the UK's Ofcom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have labeled the phenomenon 'disgraceful' and are assessing potential compliance issues.