EU Targets Musk's X Platform Over Grok AI Deepfake Concerns
EU Launches Formal Probe Into X Platform's AI Chatbot
European regulators have set their sights on Elon Musk's X platform once again, this time targeting its controversial AI assistant Grok. The European Commission announced a formal investigation into whether the social media giant adequately prevents the generation of deepfake content through its artificial intelligence tools.
Deepfake Dilemma Sparks Global Backlash
The investigation follows weeks of mounting international pressure. Authorities in Britain, France and India have all taken action against Grok after reports surfaced of the AI generating explicit deepfake images. Across the Atlantic, California officials launched their own probe into alleged "one-click undressing" capabilities.
"This isn't just about Europe anymore," noted tech policy analyst Maria Chen. "When you see coordinated responses from Asia to North America, it signals a fundamental concern about how these tools are being deployed."
Musk's Damage Control Efforts
X platform representatives claim they're taking aggressive action - deleting illegal content, banning offending accounts and cooperating with law enforcement. But these measures may prove too little, too late for regulators enforcing the EU's strict Digital Services Act.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Violations could cost X up to 6% of its global revenue - a staggering sum considering parent company Tesla's financial challenges.
Timeline: Grok's Rocky Start to 2026
- Jan 10: Indonesia bans Grok over explicit content concerns
- Jan 12: Multiple nations threaten service suspension
- Jan 26: EU elevates inquiry to formal investigation status
The timing couldn't be worse for Musk, whose AI ambitions face growing skepticism just as competitors gain ground. With public trust eroding and regulators circling, X platform finds itself in increasingly choppy waters.
Key Points:
- EU launches formal probe into X platform's handling of Grok AI deepfakes
- Investigation follows complaints about pornographic image generation
- Potential fines could reach 6% of global revenue under Digital Services Act
- Marks second major EU regulatory action against X in three months
