Minister says 'concerns remain over Grok' after meeting with X executives

Kenneth Fox

Minister Niamh Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for AI, met with X executives to discuss ongoing concerns regarding non-consensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse material being generated through Grok AI.

Speaking following the meeting, Minister Smyth said: ‘I welcomed the opportunity to meet with X to express my serious dismay at what has been facilitated on their platform. I emphasised that the sophistication of safeguards must match the sophistication of the technology.

‘I outlined the legal protections in place in Ireland, including Coco’s Law, the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, and the Online Safety Code," she said.

She said X informed her that corrective actions have been implemented and that Grok, as integrated on the X platform, has been disabled from removing or reducing clothing on individuals worldwide.

She welcomed these actions but also sought assurance that this capability will not be reintroduced.

"I made clear that such activity will not be tolerated. Concerns remain regarding Grok as a standalone app, and this is something the Government will examine further.

‘I will continue to monitor the situation closely and am scheduled to hold an in-person follow-up meeting with X in the near future to ensure adequate and enduring protections remain in place. I look forward to discussing this matter further with my colleagues from across Government on Monday," she said.

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