The European Commission has launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot amid serious concerns regarding the dissemination of illegal and manipulated sexualised images. This probe was initiated following a growing public outcry, particularly regarding images of women and children that were considered both appalling and unlawful.
Focus of the Investigation
On 26 January 2024, the Commission, acting as the executive arm of the European Union, stated that the investigation will scrutinise whether the social media platform X adequately assessed and addressed the risks associated with Grok’s functionalities.
- Potential breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which compels Big Tech to combat illegal online content.
- Companies found guilty of DSA violations could face fines up to 6% of their global annual turnover.
Global Response and Regulatory Measures
The ongoing investigation follows similar measures from other jurisdictions. For instance, the British media regulator Ofcom has also begun its own inquiry about X’s compliance with the UK’s Online Safety Act. Earlier this month, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia temporarily blocked access to Grok due to its alarming functionalities.
Statements from Officials
Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s tech chief, condemned the non-consensual deepfake images, labelling them as a “violent, unacceptable form of degradation.”
In response, X has stated that it has introduced measures to restrict image editing for Grok users. These measures include blocking access for users in certain locations, although specific countries have not been identified.
Previous Fines and Future Risks
This investigation is not the first challenge faced by X; the platform was previously fined €150 million in December 2023 for breaching transparency obligations under the DSA. As the investigation unfolds, it might lead to interim measures if no substantial adjustments are made to Grok’s service.
Looking ahead, the EU intends to ensure that it holds platforms accountable while protecting citizens’ rights, particularly those of vulnerable groups such as women and children. Observations from Regina Doherty, a European lawmaker, highlighted the need for timely enforcement of the AI Act to address emerging risks effectively.