Brussels, 26 January 2026, 16:15 (CET)
- EU launches a formal Digital Services Act investigation into X, focusing on Grok’s image capabilities and potential risks tied to illegal sexual deepfakes
- The Commission has also expanded a separate, ongoing investigation to include X’s recommender algorithms
- X claims to have strengthened blocks on image editing and location tracking, but regulators warn that risks are still emerging
On Monday, the European Commission launched a fresh investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X, focusing on the circulation of manipulated, sexually explicit images linked to its Grok chatbot. At the same time, regulators expanded an existing inquiry into X’s recommender systems—the algorithms determining what content users are shown. (European Commission)
This matters now because Grok’s image tools simplify creating non-consensual sexual deepfakes—AI-generated images that sexualize real individuals—and these can spread rapidly on a platform designed for sharing. Brussels is turning to the Digital Services Act, or DSA, its regulatory framework for major online platforms, to shift risk controls from optional measures to legal obligations.
EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen slammed non-consensual sexual deepfakes of women and children as “a violent, unacceptable form of degradation.” She added the investigation will determine if X treated citizens’ rights as “collateral damage.” Reuters reported the probe may provoke the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, given that EU tech enforcement has already faced criticism and tariff threats. (Reuters)
The Commission stated it will investigate whether X adequately evaluated and addressed “systemic risks” tied to Grok’s EU launch, specifically concerns about manipulated sexually explicit images potentially qualifying as child sexual abuse material. It also demands a one-off, ad hoc risk assessment report for Grok features that significantly altered X’s risk profile.
X highlighted a Jan. 14 statement where owner xAI said it limited image editing for Grok users and blocked generating images of people in revealing clothing in locations where it’s illegal, though it didn’t specify which countries. An X spokeswoman also referenced an earlier company statement emphasizing X’s commitment to being a safe platform with “zero tolerance” for child sexual exploitation and non-consensual nudity. The Commission hasn’t set a deadline to resolve the case. (AP News)
The dispute has sparked moves beyond Europe. Earlier this month, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia temporarily blocked Grok. After xAI introduced safety measures, the Philippines and Malaysia lifted their bans.
Two weeks ago, Britain’s media watchdog Ofcom launched an investigation, ramping up scrutiny on X as regulators evaluate if platforms are doing enough to curb the spread of illegal sexualised deepfakes. (Reuters)
Earlier this month, the Commission condemned AI-generated images of nude women and children circulating on X as both “unlawful” and “appalling,” echoing criticism from regulators worldwide.
Irish MEP Regina Doherty pointed out that the case revealed gaps in how authorities monitor rapidly evolving AI technologies. “The AI Act must remain a living piece of legislation,” she insisted, stressing that EU regulations need to be enforceable “in real time when serious harms occur.”
The Grok case is part of an intensifying DSA enforcement wave targeting major platforms. The Commission has also taken action against Meta and TikTok, focusing on transparency obligations like granting researchers access to platform data. (Reuters)
X is currently dealing with DSA penalties from Brussels. In December, the Commission slapped the company with a 120 million euro fine, citing issues like a “deceptive” blue checkmark, missing ads in its repository, and restricted access to public data for researchers. (Digital Strategy)
The new probe might hinge on technical specifics: what risks X identified before launch, what protections it implemented, and if the Commission deems those measures sufficient. Regulators have indicated they can issue interim measures—temporary directives to enforce changes during the investigation—if they judge the adjustments inadequate.
The Commission’s fresh probe targets Grok functions within X itself, not Grok’s separate app or website, since the DSA focuses on the EU’s largest online platforms. Officials confirmed the widened recommender-systems case now includes X’s upcoming move to Grok-based ranking.
