Ireland and Spain Probe X’s Grok AI for Non-Consensual Images

Elon Musk’s X platform faces escalating regulatory scrutiny as Ireland and Spain initiate investigations into its Grok AI chatbot’s ability to generate non-consensual nude and sexualized images. The Irish Data Protection Commission announced an open inquiry on Tuesday, while Spain’s Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, confirmed its own examination. These probes follow a viral trend where users prompted Grok to alter images, including those of children, resulting in thousands of sexually suggestive outputs hourly, as reported by Bloomberg.

Global Investigations Mount
The latest actions add to a growing list of probes this year. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office is investigating data processing and harmful content generation, while French authorities raided X’s Paris offices over illegal non-consensual nudes. In the US, 37 state attorneys general demanded stricter measures, and the EU Commission launched its own inquiry. X restricted the feature after backlash, but critics argue it enabled widespread abuse, prompting concerns about the platform’s “spicy mode” and NSFW options designed for such interactions.

Musk’s Response and Risks
Musk has defended X, accusing regulators of targeting the platform unfairly despite similar features elsewhere. He previously likened EU fines to Nazi tactics, rallying allies like Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. With potential fines looming, experts warn of diplomatic tensions, as social media platforms increasingly influence international relations. Regulators must act decisively, but Musk’s influence could escalate conflicts, making this a key battleground for AI ethics and platform accountability.