EU Launches Investigation into X Over AI-Generated Sexual Deepfakes
Background
The European Commission announced a new investigation targeting X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, for its handling of AI‑generated sexual content. The focus is on the platform’s artificial‑intelligence tool, Grok, which regulators say may be capable of producing sexually explicit images of individuals, including minors, that could constitute illegal content under European law.
Regulatory Concerns
Commission officials highlighted that the spread of sexual deepfakes represents a "violent, unacceptable form of degradation" and that the EU must determine whether X has fulfilled its legal duties under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The inquiry will examine whether X took sufficient measures to reduce the risk of illegal content dissemination, particularly manipulated images that could amount to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Potential Enforcement
The Commission warned that the investigation could lead to further enforcement steps against X. This follows a prior €120 million (approximately $140 million) fine imposed on the platform for earlier breaches of the DSA, including issues related to its recommendation algorithm and content‑moderation tools.
Grok’s Capabilities
According to CBS News, Grok was still able to generate undressed images of individuals as of the latest check, despite X’s earlier claim that the feature had been removed for both free and paid users. Regulators see this as evidence that the risks of illegal content have materialized, exposing EU citizens to serious harm.
Platform Response
X reiterated its commitment to safety, stating that it maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for child sexual exploitation, non‑consensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content. A spokesperson emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to keep the platform safe for all users.
Broader Context
The investigation arrives at a time when European authorities are intensifying scrutiny of major tech companies operating in the region. Musk has previously criticized the EU, referring to it as "the fourth Reich" and calling for its abolition after the earlier fine.
Next Steps
The European Commission will continue its assessment of X’s compliance with the DSA, focusing on the deployment of Grok and the platform’s overall risk‑mitigation strategies. The outcome could influence future regulatory actions and set precedents for how AI‑generated content is policed online.
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