EU Investigates Elon Musk’s Grok AI Over Child Exploitation Claims

The European Commission is actively investigating allegations that Elon Musk’s AI tool, Grok, is being misused to create and distribute sexually explicit images resembling minors. The commission announced on Monday that it is “very seriously looking” into complaints regarding Grok’s “spicy mode,” which reportedly includes explicit sexual content alongside childlike images. The EU’s digital affairs spokesman, Thomas Regnier, expressed outrage, stating, “This is not spicy. This is illegal. This is appalling. This has no place in Europe.”

The scrutiny surrounding Grok intensified following the introduction of an “edit image” feature on the X platform, where Grok is accessible. Complaints about the generation of child sexual abuse material reportedly surged after the tool’s rollout in late December 2023. In response, xAI, the company behind Grok, indicated earlier this month that it is working to address flaws in the AI tool.

Expanded Investigations and Previous Fines

The public prosecutor’s office in Paris has broadened its investigation into the X platform, now including new allegations that Grok is being utilized for the creation and dissemination of child pornography. This marks a significant escalation in ongoing legal scrutiny of X, which has already faced backlash from EU authorities. In December 2023, Brussels imposed a fine of 120 million euros (approximately $140 million) on X for breaching EU regulations on digital content transparency and user verification processes.

The European Commission, acting as the EU’s digital watchdog, has initiated additional scrutiny of X under the EU’s Digital Services Act, a probe that began concurrently with the fine. Regnier noted that X has cooperated with the commission’s requests for information, emphasizing the seriousness of the enforcement measures being implemented.

“I think X is very well aware that we’re very serious about DSA enforcement,” Regnier added, referring to the platform’s previous fines and the ongoing investigations. He urged all companies within the digital landscape to ensure compliance with EU regulations.

The situation surrounding Grok has raised significant concerns about the potential misuse of generative AI technologies, particularly in relation to child safety. As the investigation unfolds, the European Commission is expected to maintain a vigilant stance on compliance and enforcement in the digital space. This case serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities of tech companies to safeguard users, particularly vulnerable populations.

With the EU’s commitment to strict regulatory oversight, the outcome of this investigation may influence future policies regarding artificial intelligence and online content management. The implications for Musk’s ventures in the AI sector could be profound, potentially reshaping the landscape of digital technology and its ethical boundaries.