The European Union (EU) Commission has launched an investigation into Elon Musk's artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, 'Grok.' The purpose of this investigation is to examine allegations of 'Grok' generating fake images related to the sexual abuse of women and minors. This step is being taken against the backdrop of increasing concerns about whether social media platforms are fulfilling their legal obligations to regulate online content.
Redaksiya reports that in a statement on Monday, the Commission stated that the investigation will examine whether the AI tool used on the 'X' platform complies with its legal obligations under the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA requires social media companies to combat illegal and harmful online content. Brussels stated that the investigation will examine whether 'X' has adequately mitigated the risks associated with the dissemination of illegal content in the EU, including manipulated sexually explicit images and content that could constitute child sexual abuse material.
The EU is not the only body investigating the 'Grok' tool; the UK's media regulator, Ofcom, has also announced an investigation into whether 'X' complies with the UK's Online Safety Act. A report published last week by the non-profit organization the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that 'Grok' had generated approximately 3 million images of women and children in a sexualized manner within a few days. 'Grok' has recently faced protests after users discovered it could create deepfakes of women and children with simple prompts such as 'show her in a bikini' or 'take off her clothes.'
In a statement to the AFP news agency, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe will not tolerate "unacceptable behavior like the digital stripping of women and children." She added, "It is simple – we will not outsource consent and the protection of children to tech companies to let them breach it and profit from it. The harm caused by illegal images is very real." EU Technology Commissioner Henna Virkkunen stated that the rights of women and children in the EU should not be "harmed" by 'X's services.