The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a formal notice to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), directing it to remove obscene, indecent and sexually explicit content being shared on the platform. The action comes amid concerns about the misuse of X’s artificial intelligence tool, Grok, to create and disseminate harmful material that violates Indian legal standards.
Obscene Content And Grok Misuse
The government’s notice highlights serious concerns that the AI-powered service Grok is being exploited by some users to generate and circulate obscene images and videos, often involving manipulated or synthetic representations of women and children. It has been reported that fake accounts are being created to host and publish such content, and that this constitutes a violation of India’s digital content laws and regulations.
Legal Obligations Under Indian Law
India’s Information Technology framework requires digital platforms to observe strict due diligence in moderating user-generated content and preventing unlawful content from spreading online. The notice to X points out that the platform’s current safeguards and content moderation mechanisms are not adequately preventing the generation or sharing of obscene and indecent material, and that this represents a failure to comply with statutory requirements.
Directives To X And Timeline
Under the notice, X has been directed to remove or disable access to all identified content that violates Indian laws. MeitY has also requested a detailed action taken report within a specified timeframe, outlining the steps the company has taken to address the issue, improve its moderation systems, and enforce its own terms of service against violators.
Warnings On Enforcement And Consequences
The ministry has warned that non-compliance will be viewed seriously and could lead to strict legal consequences under multiple Indian statutes that govern online content and intermediary responsibilities. This could include enforcement actions, penalties, or withdrawal of legal protections afforded to intermediaries.
Broader Regulatory Pressure
This latest government action reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of social media platforms and AI tools, particularly as artificial intelligence makes it easier to create manipulated or harmful content. Authorities have emphasised that digital platforms must take responsibility for preventing the spread of such material and protecting users, especially vulnerable groups, from abuse and exploitation.
Response From The Platform
Following the notice, X has stated publicly that it will take action against unsafe content, remove illegal material, and suspend accounts that violate platform policies. These responses indicate the company’s intent to comply with regulatory demands and enhance content safety measures on its service.
