Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has urged the Indian government to take urgent action after raising concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools on social media to produce objectionable images of women. In a letter to Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chaturvedi said the practice represents a serious breach of privacy and must be addressed swiftly.
Chaturvedi’s complaint centres on reports that men are creating fake accounts and using X’s AI feature Grok to alter photographs of women, prompting the tool to minimise clothing and sexualise the images. She said the activity is not confined to pictures shared by others but also targets women who post their own photos, adding that the behaviour is unethical and criminal.
AI misuse on social media raises privacy concerns
The MP argued that Grok appears to be enabling this behaviour by complying with such requests, thereby facilitating unauthorised use of images. She described the trend as a breach of women’s right to privacy and a form of public digital humiliation that could drive women away from online platforms.
Chaturvedi called on the ministry to press the platform X and other major technology firms to implement safeguards in AI-driven tools. Her letter warned that India cannot remain a bystander while women’s dignity is violated under the guise of creativity and innovation. She asked the government to ensure prompt intervention to protect women and to enlist big tech in strengthening content moderation and AI safety measures.
Legal experts say such complaints highlight gaps in both platform policies and existing laws. While India has rules governing intermediary liability and online content, rapid advances in generative AI have created new vectors for abuse that regulators and platforms are still adapting to. Chaturvedi’s appeal reflects growing pressure on lawmakers to update safeguards and enforce penalties where necessary.
Industry responses to similar incidents have varied. Platforms often rely on a mix of automated filters and user reporting, but MPs and activists have argued that these systems are reactive and can be insufficient where AI tools are exploited deliberately. Chaturvedi urged the ministry to pursue decisive action against platforms that allow or enable such misuse and to require clearer safety controls on AI features.
The MP also highlighted that unchecked patterns of abuse are appearing on multiple tech platforms, and she urged coordinated action to prevent women from being silenced or pushed out of digital spaces. She stressed that India welcomes the benefits of artificial intelligence but will not tolerate content that demeans or targets women.
The ministry has not yet issued a public response to Chaturvedi’s letter. Observers say a potential response could include stronger enforcement of existing regulations, new guidance for AI features on social networks, or formal engagement with platforms to ensure transparent safety standards. For many advocates, the episode underlines the need for a clearer regulatory framework that keeps pace with AI-driven harms while preserving legitimate expression online.
As lawmakers and regulators weigh next steps, the debate is likely to shape how India and other countries approach AI governance, platform accountability and the protection of vulnerable users in digital spaces.
Key Takeaways:
- MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has written to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urging action on AI misuse on social media.
- She alleges X’s Grok feature is being used to sexualise women by manipulating images and prompts.
- The letter calls for safeguards, legal action and engagement with big tech to protect women’s privacy online.
