The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a stern notice to X Corp. (formerly Twitter), alleging serious and repeated violations of India’s cyber laws arising from the misuse of its artificial intelligence service “Grok AI” to generate and circulate obscene, indecent and sexually explicit content, particularly targeting women.
In a detailed communication addressed to X’s Chief Compliance Officer for India operations, MeitY expressed “grave concern” over reports that Grok AI is being misused by users to create fake accounts and generate morphed or synthetic images and videos of women in a derogatory and vulgar manner, amounting to a failure of platform-level safeguards.
Alleged Failure of Statutory Due Diligence
According to the Ministry, such activities reflect non-compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. MeitY noted that the circulation of obscene and sexually explicit AI-generated content violates the dignity, privacy and safety of women and children, while normalising sexual harassment in digital spaces.
The Ministry reminded X that as a “significant social media intermediary”, it enjoys safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act only if it strictly adheres to statutory due diligence obligations. Any failure could result in the loss of this exemption, exposing the platform and its officers to direct liability.
Advisory Ignored Despite Prior Warning
MeitY pointed out that it had already issued an advisory on December 29, 2025, directing all intermediaries to immediately review their compliance frameworks, content moderation practices and enforcement mechanisms. The Ministry observed that despite this advisory, concerns regarding unlawful content linked to Grok AI continue to persist on X.
Specific Legal Provisions Flagged
The notice details multiple provisions under the IT Rules, 2021 that X is alleged to be violating, including obligations to:
- Prevent hosting and dissemination of obscene, pornographic and harmful content
- Remove unlawful content expeditiously upon receiving actual knowledge
- Provide information and assistance to law enforcement agencies
- Deploy automated and technology-based measures to proactively prevent dissemination of such content
- Remove prima facie sexually explicit impersonation content within 24 hours of complaint
The Ministry further warned that such content attracts penal consequences under several statutes, including Sections 66E, 67, 67A and 67B of the IT Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, the POCSO Act, 2012, and other applicable laws.
Mandatory Reporting Under New Criminal Law
Significantly, MeitY drew attention to Section 33 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which imposes a mandatory obligation to report certain offences, including organised cyber crimes. Failure to report such offences, despite knowledge or reasonable suspicion, may independently attract penal action.
Directions Issued to X
Invoking its powers under the IT Act and IT Rules, MeitY has directed X to:
- Conduct an immediate and comprehensive technical and governance-level review of Grok AI, including prompt processing, image handling and safety guardrails
- Enforce strict user deterrence measures such as account suspension and termination
- Remove or disable access to all unlawful content without delay
- Submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within 72 hours, outlining technical measures adopted, actions taken against violators, and oversight by the Chief Compliance Officer
- Ensure ongoing, auditable compliance with Indian law
Failure to comply, the Ministry warned, could result in loss of safe harbour protection and strict legal action against the platform, its responsible officers and offending users without further notice.
Wider Implications for AI Platforms
The notice marks one of the strongest regulatory interventions so far against the misuse of generative AI tools by social media platforms in India. It underscores the government’s position that AI-enabled services are not exempt from existing content moderation and due diligence obligations, and that intermediaries will be held accountable for systemic failures in preventing harm.
The development is being closely watched by technology companies and compliance professionals, as it may set a precedent for stricter oversight of AI-driven content generation and platform responsibility in India’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
Notice Details
Date: 02.01.2026
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