The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X, intensifying regulatory pressure on large technology companies over the use of artificial intelligence and online safety. The probe follows reports that Grok, an AI chatbot developed by Musk’s company xAI and integrated into X, generated sexualized images, including content that appeared to depict minors.

The investigation is being conducted under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to hold major online platforms accountable for systemic risks associated with their services. Regulators are seeking to determine whether X has fulfilled its legal obligations to prevent the dissemination of harmful and illegal content, particularly in light of Grok’s recent integration into the platform’s recommender systems.

In a statement issued on January 26, the European Commission said it is examining whether X has adequately identified, assessed, and mitigated risks linked to its AI-driven features. The Commission emphasized that the inquiry focuses not only on individual pieces of content, but on the broader design and governance of the platform, including moderation safeguards, transparency practices, and internal controls.

Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy, described the allegations as deeply concerning. She stated that the circulation of sexualized AI-generated images, especially those involving minors, poses serious risks to users and undermines public trust in........

© Blitz