The European Commission has reportedly announced a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X, a subsidiary of X Corp, over its AI chatbot’s image-editing feature, which has been used to create nonconsensual explicit content.
EU Probes X’s AI For Misuse Of Images
The European Commission is set to launch a probe into the image-editing feature of X’s chatbot, Grok. This function has been used to virtually undress images of real women and underage girls without their consent, reported German newspaper Handelsblatt on Monday.
The controversy arose last summer when Grok, X’s AI tool, was upgraded with a paid feature called “Spicy Mode,” enabling users to create explicit content. Following global outrage, X implemented technological measures to prevent the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing. The company also removed sexualized Grok-altered images of children and banned the users involved.
Under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission has sought information from X and is reviewing its response. If X is found to have violated EU online platform regulations, it could be fined up to 6% of its global annual revenue.
The X Safety account posted that they take action against illegal content on X, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and collaborating with local governments and law enforcement as needed.
This investigation follows Malaysia and Indonesia’s decision to block access to Grok after discovering its potential for generating and distributing nonconsensual explicit content and child sexual abuse material. These countries cited “repeated failures by X Corp” to mitigate related risks.
The ban by Malaysia and Indonesia came after the AI image generator faced international backlash for creating nonconsensual sexualized images, including those of minors, prompting an investigation by French authorities.
EU Delays Grok Action Over Trump
According to the publication, the European Commission postponed opening a procedure against Grok, initially planned for last Monday, due to concerns over angering President Donald Trump, who accused Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA) of targeting American tech companies. His recent threats of additional tariffs over Greenland and past criticisms of EU actions against U.S. digital companies prompted the Commission to delay legal action.
Notably, in December, Vice President JD Vance criticized the EU for its alleged plans to fine X and accused the EU of censorship and attacking American companies.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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