EU Launches Major Investigation into X Over Grok AI Deepfake Scandal

European Commission Takes Action Against X

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X over serious concerns about its AI chatbot Grok generating nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images.

The probe, announced by Irish member of European Parliament Regina Doherty, will assess whether X has complied with its obligations under the Digital Services Act, including requirements relating to risk mitigation, content governance, and the protection of fundamental rights.

The Grok Controversy

The investigation follows a global outcry that began in late December when Grok's image editing capabilities allowed users to digitally undress people in photographs. Researchers documented that some of the generated content appeared to include children.

According to the Center for Countering Digital Hate, Grok generated an estimated three million sexualized images of women and children within just a matter of days. Requests for such imagery peaked on the second of January twenty twenty-six, with nearly two hundred thousand requests recorded in a single day.

Strong Words from EU Officials

Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, described nonconsensual sexual deepfakes as a violent, unacceptable form of degradation. She stated the investigation will determine whether X has met its legal obligations or treated the rights of European citizens as collateral damage.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen declared that Europe will not tolerate such behaviour and will not hand over consent and child protection to tech companies to violate and monetise.

Global Regulatory Response

The United Kingdom, France, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia are among countries that have also taken action regarding Grok's sexualized imagery capabilities. Britain's media regulator Ofcom has launched its own investigation under the Online Safety Act.

Potential Consequences

If found in violation of the Digital Services Act, X could face fines of up to six percent of its global annual revenue. The platform was already fined one hundred and twenty million euros in December twenty twenty-five for breaches involving its verification system and advertising transparency.