India’s IT Ministry Steps in Over Grok Chatbot Misuse

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has taken a strong stance against X. On January 2, 2026, it ordered the platform to audit its Grok chatbot. The directive follows allegations of misuse involving morphed images of women. According to the Ministry, users allegedly used Grok to alter or remove clothing in photos.

The issue gained urgency after Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns. She wrote to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, flagging the growing misuse of AI tools. Soon after, the Ministry issued formal directions to X.

What the IT Ministry has asked X to do

In a detailed letter, the Ministry asked X to conduct a full review of Grok. This includes technical systems, internal processes, and governance controls. The Ministry said users misused the Grok chatbot to create fake accounts. These accounts allegedly shared obscene and derogatory images of women.

The letter made the government’s position clear. Compliance with the IT Act and IT Rules, 2021 is mandatory. Platforms can claim legal protection only if they follow due diligence rules strictly.

Orders to remove content without delay

The IT Ministry directed X to remove or disable access to all illegal content immediately. It also warned the platform not to tamper with evidence. The letter stressed that such acts may attract criminal liability even beyond the IT Act.

X must submit an Action Taken Report by January 5, 2026. The Ministry warned of strict legal consequences if X fails to comply. These actions could involve the IT Act, IT Rules, BNSS, BNS, and other laws.

Why Grok chatbot is under scrutiny

Grok operates as an AI firm under X’s holding company. However, it actively interacts with users on the X platform. Elon Musk has often highlighted Grok’s less restricted responses. That approach has now drawn regulatory attention in India.

Meanwhile, X has not issued an official response to the Ministry’s order.

Government pushes for platform accountability

Earlier on Friday, Ashwini Vaishnaw said social media firms must take responsibility for hosted content. He also cited recommendations from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT. The committee has called for stricter laws on obscene content.

Earlier this week, the IT Ministry issued a broader advisory. It asked all social media platforms to proactively remove obscene and pornographic material.

This action signals tighter oversight of AI tools and online platforms in India.