EU launches probe into xAI over sexualized images

The European Union's privacy authority has initiated a significant investigation into Elon Musk's platform, X, focusing on the creation of AI-generated non-consensual sexual images. This move highlights an increasing scrutiny from regulators regarding the operations of X's Grok chatbot. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), tasked with enforcing the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), announced on Monday that it will be examining the production and dissemination of potentially damaging sexualized imagery created by Grok, particularly images that involve the processing of data from EU users. Developed by Musk's AI startup, xAI, Grok is seamlessly integrated into X's social media environment. Earlier this month, xAI merged with Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX, resulting in a valuation of $1.5 trillion. The inquiry into X comes after a wave of backlash from users, safety advocates, and political figures, spurred by reports of thousands of sexualized deepfake images generated by Grok in January. Graham Doyle, the DPC's deputy commissioner, stated that engagement with X began following media reports highlighting the disturbing capability of users to prompt the Grok account to create sexualized images of real individuals, including minors. The commission's inquiry aims to assess X's adherence to essential GDPR obligations in light of these issues. As of now, X has not provided a comment on the investigation. Musk has previously adopted a lenient stance on moderating Grok, emphasizing principles of free speech. This follows a series of controversies last summer when xAI made adjustments to the chatbot after it had generated offensive content, including praise for Hitler and antisemitic remarks on X.