EU Launches Formal Investigation Into X’s Grok AI Tool

EU Investigates X’s Grok AI Over Deepfake Controversy

The European Commission has launched an investigation into X under the Digital Services Act over concerns that its AI tool Grok offered users the ability to generate sexually explicit imagery, including sexualized images of children. The formal probe examines whether X properly assessed and mitigated risks associated with Grok’s deployment in the EU.

Scope of the Investigation and Concerns

The commission announced that its investigation would examine whether the AI tool has met its legal obligations under the Digital Services Act, which requires social media companies to address illegal and harmful online content. The investigation covers risks related to the dissemination of manipulated sexually explicit images and material that may constitute child sexual abuse content.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe will not tolerate “unthinkable behaviour, such as digital undressing of women and children,” emphasizing that “the harm caused by illegal images is very real.” EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen stated that women’s and children’s rights should not be treated as collateral damage of X’s services.

X’s Response and Previous Actions

X has made changes to the system, including turning off the image-generation tool for users who don’t pay subscriptions. However, investigations by news outlets confirm the feature remains partially functional for paid users.

Potential Consequences

The investigation expands a broader 2023 inquiry into X’s recommendation systems. The DSA gives the EU the power to fine digital platforms up to 6 percent of their total annual worldwide turnover, which in X’s case might be $174 million. This formal investigation marks escalating regulatory pressure on Musk’s platform worldwide, with UK, India, and other countries also conducting probes into Grok’s capabilities.