The European Union is investigating Elon Musk’s social media platform X over whether it disseminates illegal content through its Grok AI chatbot. The probe follows reports of manipulated sexualised images of women and children created by Grok and international concern from regulators.
After ordering X to preserve Grok AI records earlier this months, the European Commission said it will examine whether X properly assessed and mitigated risks when deploying Grok under the EU Digital Services Act, which requires tech firms to prevent illegal and harmful content. Companies found in breach can face fines up to 6 percent of global annual turnover.
The investigation comes after Ofcom in the U.K. launched a similar inquiry, and Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia temporarily blocked Grok over the images. X said in January that xAI had restricted image editing and blocked users in locations where such content is illegal, restoring access in some countries after adding safeguards.
EU officials warned that changes by xAI do not resolve systemic risks, noting X may not have conducted a thorough risk assessment for Europe. The probe also carries potential geopolitical implications, as U.S. officials have criticized EU regulation and hinted at trade responses.
