Japan has opened an official investigation into X over its image generating service Grok, becoming the latest government to scrutinize the platform amid global concern over the creation of sexualized images.
The Cabinet Office said Friday it has asked X Corp to take immediate corrective action and warned that legal steps remain on the table if safeguards are not strengthened. The move follows similar probes launched by Britain and Canada.
Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda said the government was reviewing every available option to prevent the spread of inappropriate images, particularly those involving real people. “We plan to promptly examine all possible options, including legal measures, if the situation does not improve,” Onoda said. She also oversees Japan’s national technology strategy.
Japanese officials said X has not yet responded to the government’s request for changes.
Earlier this week, xAI said it had introduced new restrictions to prevent users from altering images of real people into revealing clothing, including swimwear. The company also said it had blocked image generation features in locations where such content is illegal, though it did not specify which countries were affected.
The measures came after widespread reports that Grok could be used to create explicit images of women and minors, triggering backlash from regulators and child protection advocates.
Japan’s announcement follows similar action by authorities in Britain and Canada, where regulators confirmed they are examining whether existing laws were breached.
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Several countries in Southeast Asia have already taken stronger steps. Malaysia and Indonesia have temporarily blocked access to Grok, citing concerns over harmful content and insufficient safeguards.
Governments worldwide are increasingly pressing technology firms to prevent the misuse of image creation tools, especially when real individuals can be targeted without consent.
Japanese officials said they will continue monitoring X’s response and assess whether current measures are sufficient to protect users and comply with domestic laws.
