Europe Launches Major Investigation into Elon Musk’s X over Sexualized Images Outcry

The European Union has initiated a significant investigation into Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot on X, responding to widespread public concern over its capacity to produce sexually explicit images, including those of minors. This outcry began late last year when the AI chatbot was reported to generate a series of unacceptable images upon user requests.

Investigation Details

The European Commission announced on Monday that the inquiry will assess whether X properly evaluated and addressed the risks linked to Grok’s deployment within the EU. According to Henna Virkkunen, a senior commission official, the focus is on protecting the rights of European citizens, particularly women and children.

Key Statements and Responses

• Virkkunen condemned the creation of sexual deepfakes as “violent and unacceptable.” She emphasized the need to determine if X has met its legal obligations.
• X responded by stating it takes action to remove high-priority violative content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

During a press briefing, a European Commission official acknowledged X’s initial measures but criticized the company for not adequately assessing the associated risks before launching Grok.

Legal Framework and Implications

This investigation falls under the EU’s Digital Services Act, which mandates that major tech companies tackle illegal and harmful content effectively. Although there is currently no set timeline for the inquiry, the official hinted at the possibility of imposing fines as part of the findings.

Past Penalties and Ongoing Scrutiny

In December, the EU imposed a fine of approximately $140 million on X for violations related to deceptive design under the Digital Services Act. Musk referred to this penalty as “crazy.” An EU official confirmed that this fine remains unpaid, but the company has time to address it.

In addition to the EU investigation, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has also opened an inquiry concerning Grok’s role in producing non-consensual sexually explicit material. The chatbot remains prohibited in Indonesia and Malaysia due to the controversies surrounding its image generation capabilities.

Further Investigations

Moreover, the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has initiated its own formal investigation into X. This raises further questions about the extent of scrutiny the platform may face in the future.