The European Commission has launched an investigation into Elon Musk's X over concerns its AI tool Grok was used to create sexualised images of real people.
This follows a similar announcement in January from the UK watchdog Ofcom.
Regina Doherty, a member of the European parliament representing Ireland, stated that the Commission would assess whether manipulated sexually explicit images have been shown to users in the EU.
A previous statement from X's Safety account asserted that the platform had ceased using Grok to digitally alter pictures of individuals to remove their clothing in areas where such content is prohibited.
However, campaigners and victims expressed that the capability to generate sexually explicit pictures using the tool should have never happened, with Ofcom’s investigation still in progress.
The EU regulator indicated it might impose interim measures if X refuses to implement essential changes.
Additionally, it announced an extension of its ongoing investigation initiated in December 2023 regarding risks connected with X's recommendation systems.
Prior to the Commission's announcement, Elon Musk posted on X humorously regarding the new restrictions affecting Grok.
Previously, Musk has criticized the scrutiny of his app's image-editing functionality, deeming it an excuse for censorship.
As of Sunday, the Grok account claimed that over 5.5 billion images were generated by the tool within just 30 days.
Doherty declared there were serious questions regarding whether platforms such as X met legal obligations to sufficiently assess risks and prevent illegal and harmful content from circulating.
She emphasized, The European Union has clear rules to protect people online, outlining that these rules must be enforced effectively, particularly as powerful technologies are deployed at scale. No company operating in the EU is above the law.
A representative from Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland's media regulator, welcomed the investigation, asserting there is no space in society for non-consensual intimate imagery abuse or child sexual abuse material.
This development follows a recent penalty of €120 million (£105 million) imposed on X by the EU for misleading users regarding its verification processes concerning blue tick badges.
In reaction, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) accused the EU regulator of targeting American tech firms, with Rubio proclaiming, The European Commission's fine isn't just an attack on X; it's an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments, remarks that Musk echoed with agreement.
