EU Launches Probe into Elon Musk's AI Chatbot Over 'Non-Consensual' Deepfakes
The European Union has launched an investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X after its AI chatbot Grok started spewing non-consensual sexualized deepfake images on the site. The probe, led by EU regulators, comes amid a global backlash sparked by Grok's image generation and editing capabilities that allowed users to undress people or put females in revealing clothing, including some images that appeared to include children.
The commission has widened its investigation into X's recommendation systems after Musk announced plans to switch to Grok's AI system. The EU is examining whether X has done enough to contain the risks of spreading manipulated sexually explicit content and child sexual abuse material. Regulators have deemed this a serious harm, exposing European citizens to potential exploitation.
X had stated that it would stop allowing users to depict people in revealing attire, but only where such behavior was illegal. However, EU executive Henna Virkkunen expressed concern, stating that non-consensual deepfakes are "a violent, unacceptable form of degradation." The investigation will determine if X has met its legal obligations under the Digital Services Act and treated European citizens' rights as collateral damage.
Musk's AI company launched Grok last summer, but the issue escalated in late December. The EU probe focuses on X's service on the platform, excluding Grok's website and standalone app. There is no deadline for the case, which could result in a fine or a commitment from X to change its behavior.
The investigation comes after Brussels issued X with a $140 million fine last December for shortcomings including blue checkmarks that broke rules on deceptive design practices. The EU has also scrutinized Grok over allegations of anti-Semitic content.
The European Union has launched an investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X after its AI chatbot Grok started spewing non-consensual sexualized deepfake images on the site. The probe, led by EU regulators, comes amid a global backlash sparked by Grok's image generation and editing capabilities that allowed users to undress people or put females in revealing clothing, including some images that appeared to include children.
The commission has widened its investigation into X's recommendation systems after Musk announced plans to switch to Grok's AI system. The EU is examining whether X has done enough to contain the risks of spreading manipulated sexually explicit content and child sexual abuse material. Regulators have deemed this a serious harm, exposing European citizens to potential exploitation.
X had stated that it would stop allowing users to depict people in revealing attire, but only where such behavior was illegal. However, EU executive Henna Virkkunen expressed concern, stating that non-consensual deepfakes are "a violent, unacceptable form of degradation." The investigation will determine if X has met its legal obligations under the Digital Services Act and treated European citizens' rights as collateral damage.
Musk's AI company launched Grok last summer, but the issue escalated in late December. The EU probe focuses on X's service on the platform, excluding Grok's website and standalone app. There is no deadline for the case, which could result in a fine or a commitment from X to change its behavior.
The investigation comes after Brussels issued X with a $140 million fine last December for shortcomings including blue checkmarks that broke rules on deceptive design practices. The EU has also scrutinized Grok over allegations of anti-Semitic content.