Key Facts
- ✓ The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into X regarding the deployment of its Grok AI and the spread of sexually explicit deepfakes.
- ✓ Regulators are specifically examining whether X failed to mitigate risks associated with illegal content, including child sexual abuse material, when integrating Grok.
- ✓ This new probe expands upon an existing 2023 investigation into X's recommendation algorithms and content moderation tools.
- ✓ The inquiry follows a recent $140 million fine levied against X for breaches of the European Union's Digital Services Act.
- ✓ European Commission Executive VP Henna Virkkunen stated that the investigation will determine if X treated citizens' rights as "collateral damage."
- ✓ In response, X reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation and nonconsensual nudity.
A New Front in the Tech Wars
The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X over the platform's handling of AI-generated sexually explicit content. Regulators announced the probe in a press release, citing concerns that the social media giant failed to take adequate action to prevent the spread of illegal deepfakes.
This inquiry comes shortly after the platform was hit with a substantial $140 million fine for breaching Europe’s Digital Services Act. The timing places X at the center of a growing geopolitical storm, as the European Union intensifies its scrutiny of American technology companies.
The Core Allegations
At the heart of the investigation is the deployment of Grok, X's artificial intelligence chatbot. The Commission is assessing whether the platform took sufficient measures to mitigate risks associated with the dissemination of illegal content when integrating Grok into its services.
Specifically, regulators are concerned about manipulated sexually explicit images, including content that may constitute child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The Commission stated that these risks appear to have materialized, exposing citizens in the EU to serious harm.
“Sexual deepfakes of women and children are a violent, unacceptable form of degradation. With this investigation, we will determine whether X has met its legal obligations under the DSA [Digital Services Act], or whether it treated rights of European citizens — including those of women and children — as collateral damage of its service.”
This statement was delivered by the Commission’s executive VP, Henna Virkkunen, highlighting the severity of the allegations.
"Sexual deepfakes of women and children are a violent, unacceptable form of degradation. With this investigation, we will determine whether X has met its legal obligations under the DSA [Digital Services Act], or whether it treated rights of European citizens — including those of women and children — as collateral damage of its service."
— Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission
Expanding the Scope
The new inquiry is not an isolated event. The European Commission is also expanding its existing 2023 investigation into X. That original probe focused on the platform's recommendation algorithm and the tools used to prevent the spread of illicit content.
By combining these inquiries, regulators are signaling a comprehensive review of X's compliance with European law. The investigation will scrutinize the platform's systemic approach to content moderation and the potential dangers posed by its AI integration.
The stakes are high for the social media platform, which could face further enforcement steps if found in violation of the Digital Services Act.
A Geopolitical Flashpoint
The investigation arrives at a delicate moment for transatlantic relations. Europe is already in the Trump administration’s crosshairs over its regulatory scrutiny of American tech companies.
Furthermore, the EU is directly challenging Elon Musk, the platform's owner who possesses significant influence over the site's discourse. Tensions have been simmering since X was previously penalized for DSA breaches.
Following the earlier 120 million euro ($140 million) fine, Musk publicly criticized the regulatory body. In a post on X, he referred to the European Union as "the fourth Reich" and argued that it should be "abolished."
X's Official Response
In response to the new inquiry, X has reiterated its previous stance regarding the safety of its AI tools. The company maintains that it is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment for its users.
A spokesperson for the platform stated that X remains committed to making the platform safe for everyone. They emphasized a policy of zero tolerance for specific types of harmful content.
“We remain committed to making X a safe platform for everyone and continue to have zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, nonconsensual nudity and unwanted sexual content.”
As the investigation unfolds, the outcome will likely set a significant precedent for the regulation of AI tools on social media platforms worldwide.
"We remain committed to making X a safe platform for everyone and continue to have zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, nonconsensual nudity and unwanted sexual content."
— X Spokesperson
