"We write to ask that you enforce your app stores' terms of service against X" [pdf] (www.wyden.senate.gov)

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Ben Ray Luján, and Edward J. Markey have formally requested Apple and Google to enforce their app store terms against X Corp's apps, X and Grok, which have been allegedly used to mass-generate nonconsensual sexualized images of women and children. This alarming trend, facilitated by Grok's AI capabilities, reportedly includes the creation of graphic content depicting violence and sexual abuse, including child sexual exploitation. The Senators assert that these actions violate both companies' clear policy prohibitions against harmful and illegal content, urging immediate removal of the offending apps until a thorough investigation is conducted. The significance of this situation extends beyond ethics into the essential duties tech companies have to ensure safe user environments. Senators highlighted the importance of maintaining robust app moderation practices, particularly in light of previous rapid actions taken by Apple and Google against other apps under perceived threats. Ignoring the serious allegations against X and Grok could not only undermine the credibility of their moderation claims but also potentially weaken their public positions against market competition reforms. As AI tools continue to evolve, this scenario raises critical questions about accountability, ethical AI use, and the responsibilities of tech platforms in managing user-generated content.