A coalition of women’s rights groups and child protection advocates has called on Apple and Google to remove the social media app X and its AI chatbot, Grok, from their app stores. The campaign follows reports that the platforms are being used to generate sexually explicit and abusive content, putting women and minors at risk.
Brandspur Tech News reports that the advocacy alliance, which includes UltraViolet, the National Organization for Women, MoveOn, and ParentsTogether Action, claims the apps are breaching app store policies by enabling users to create non-consensual sexualised imagery.
In open letters sent to both tech giants on Wednesday, campaigners argued that the widespread misuse of these tools has serious consequences for the safety and dignity of vulnerable groups.
Jenna Sherman, campaign director at UltraViolet, warned that the continued availability of X and Grok “legitimises a system in which thousands of women and children are being sexually abused,” emphasising the urgent need for intervention.
The surge in concern followed the flood of realistic sexualised images of women and minors on X during the New Year period. While X later modified Grok to prevent automatic public sharing of AI-generated images, tests indicate the chatbot can still produce sexualised imagery, including bikini versions of uploaded photos.
The global regulatory response has begun to take shape. Malaysia and Indonesia became the first countries to ban Grok in January 2026, citing the creation of sexually explicit and non-consensual images.
In Europe, the European Commission has ordered X to preserve records related to Grok through the end of 2026 under the Digital Services Act, while authorities in the UK and other nations are seeking explanations about the tool’s use. Meanwhile, three Democratic senators in the United States have formally urged Apple and Google to remove the apps, highlighting the risks posed to children and women if the platforms remain available.
Some organisations have taken independent action. The American Federation of Teachers announced its departure from X, denouncing Grok’s AI-generated child images as the “last straw.” For campaigners, such moves underscore the urgency of regulatory and corporate accountability in handling AI content.
Responses from the companies involved have been limited. X has not commented on the allegations, while parent company xAI dismissed criticism as “Legacy Media Lies.” Apple and Google have yet to provide public statements on the matter. Sherman stressed that the situation represents a critical test of the app store operators’ commitment to child and user safety, arguing that their decisions will reveal their true values in practice.
As the debate intensifies, the future of X and Grok on global app stores remains uncertain, with advocacy groups pressing for swift and decisive action to protect vulnerable users.
