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EU launches investigation into X's AI tool Grok
The European Commission has opened a formal inquiry into Elon Musk's platform X, examining whether its AI-powered image generator Grok violated EU digital regulations by producing sexually explicit deepfakes of real individuals.
Regulatory concerns and potential penalties
Under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), companies found in breach could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue. The Commission's move follows a similar investigation announced by UK regulator Ofcom in January.
X previously stated it had disabled Grok's ability to digitally remove clothing from images in regions where such content is illegal. However, EU officials are now assessing whether the platform failed to prevent the spread of manipulated sexually explicit material.
Criticism from lawmakers and advocates
Regina Doherty, an Irish member of the European Parliament, emphasized the Commission's focus on whether X adequately protected EU citizens from harmful content. Campaigners and victims have condemned the tool's capabilities, arguing such features should never have been deployed.
"This is a violent, unacceptable form of degradation," said Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. "We will determine if X treated the rights of European citizens-particularly women and children-as collateral damage."
Broader scrutiny of X's algorithms
The Commission also expanded its December 2023 investigation into X's recommendation algorithms, which curate content for users. Officials warned they may impose interim measures if X refuses to comply with demands for corrective action.
Musk's response and global fallout
Elon Musk, X's owner, appeared to mock the restrictions in a post on Monday, while previously dismissing criticism of Grok's image-editing functions as "an excuse for censorship." The Grok account later claimed the tool generated over 5.5 billion images in 30 days.
X faces additional investigations in Australia, France, and Germany, while Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily banned Grok-though Malaysia has since lifted its restrictions.
Political tensions over EU enforcement
The probe follows a €120 million fine imposed on X last month for misleading users with its blue-tick verification system. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accused the EU of targeting American tech firms, a claim Musk endorsed.
Doherty countered that the EU's rules exist to hold platforms accountable, stating: "No company operating in the EU is above the law."
