On January 26, 2026, the European Commission launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's X amidst growing concerns over the AI chatbot Grok. The inquiry focuses on whether Grok has been used to create and spread sexually explicit images, potentially violating the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The Commission will examine if X adequately assessed the risks associated with Grok's functionalities in the EU. Concerns were raised after the AI tool reportedly generated sexually explicit content, including images involving minors. Regina Doherty, a member of the European Parliament from Ireland, pointed out the need for companies like X to meet their legal obligations to protect users from harmful content.
Musk's X earlier announced measures to curb the problematic features of Grok, stating it had restricted certain image editing capabilities and limited the tool's accessibility for users generating content in inappropriate contexts. However, critics argue that these actions came too late and that the functionality that allowed such imagery should never have been available.
The investigation represents a broader regulatory trend in the EU aimed at holding tech companies accountable for the content on their platforms. Companies can face substantial fines under the DSA for failing to comply with its stringent content regulations. X is also facing implications from a previous investigation launched in December 2023 regarding its recommender systems and the potential risks they pose.
As the inquiry unfolds, it puts significant pressure on X to address its content moderation practices, as failure to comply might lead to tougher regulations and enforcement actions from European authorities.
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