The European Commission has escalated its examination of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence system, Grok, following serious allegations that the technology is being exploited to create and distribute sexually explicit imagery depicting minors. EU digital affairs spokesman Thomas Regnier characterized the situation as both illegal and appalling, stating unequivocally that such content “has no place in Europe.”
The controversy emerged shortly after xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, introduced an “edit image” feature for Grok in late December 2023. This functionality appears to have enabled users to generate abusive content that mimics child sexual exploitation material, triggering widespread complaints on Musk’s X social media platform where Grok is integrated.
In response to mounting regulatory pressure, xAI acknowledged technical vulnerabilities in its AI system earlier this month and committed to addressing these flaws. The situation has attracted parallel judicial attention, with Paris public prosecutors expanding an existing investigation into X to include new allegations regarding Grok’s potential misuse for creating and disseminating child pornography.
This development represents the latest chapter in the ongoing friction between European regulators and Musk’s digital empire. The EU previously imposed a substantial €120 million ($140 million) penalty against X in December for violations of digital advertising transparency requirements and inadequate user verification protocols under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The platform remains under formal investigation for potential additional DSA infringements that commenced in December 2023.
Regnier emphasized the Commission’s determined enforcement stance, noting that X has responded to information requests and appears cognizant of the serious consequences of non-compliance. The EU’s digital watchdog has additionally sought clarification from X regarding content related to Holocaust discourse, further illustrating the broadening scope of regulatory oversight.