X Platform Under Investigation as Grok AI Creates Deepfake Images of Children

TLDR

• European regulators launch formal privacy investigation into X’s Grok AI chatbot for generating deepfake images without consent
• Irish Data Protection Commission leads probe into potential GDPR violations involving sexualized AI-generated content of adults and children
• Grok sparked controversy after creating revealing images of real people using artificial intelligence editing tools
• X faces multiple investigations across Europe including separate Digital Services Act probe and inquiries in France and UK
• Irish regulator will examine X’s data protection practices and compliance with EU privacy regulations

The Irish Data Protection Commission has initiated a formal European Union investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform. The probe targets the Grok AI chatbot over concerns about nonconsensual deepfake image generation.

The investigation was officially announced Tuesday after X received notification on Monday. Ireland’s data watchdog will examine whether the social media company violated the General Data Protection Regulation. X’s European headquarters in Dublin places the Irish regulator in charge of EU-wide enforcement.

The inquiry focuses on Grok’s ability to create intimate and sexualized images of real individuals. These AI-generated deepfakes include images of both adults and children. Users could prompt Grok to digitally alter photos by adding transparent clothing or removing garments entirely.

Media reports first highlighted the issue several weeks ago. The Data Protection Commission began engaging with X immediately after these initial reports surfaced. However, authorities decided formal investigation was necessary after X’s response proved inadequate.

Grok AI Capabilities Raise Privacy Concerns

Grok uses artificial intelligence to generate and edit images based on user prompts. The chatbot is built by Musk’s company xAI and integrated directly into X. All interactions with Grok and its generated content remain publicly visible on the platform.

Last month, researchers discovered that Grok would fulfill requests to create revealing images of real people. Some of these AI-generated images appeared to feature minors. The discovery triggered immediate backlash from child safety advocates and privacy experts.

X implemented certain restrictions on Grok following the controversy. The company has not disclosed specific details about these limitations. European authorities concluded the changes were insufficient to address privacy violations.

Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle confirmed the regulator’s ongoing engagement with X. The formal investigation will examine multiple aspects of GDPR compliance. These include data processing principles, lawfulness of processing, and data protection by design requirements.

Multiple European Investigations Target X Platform

The Irish privacy probe represents one of several regulatory actions against X. The European Commission opened a separate investigation under the Digital Services Act last month. That inquiry examines X’s efforts to prevent illegal content distribution including child sexual abuse material.

French prosecutors escalated their scrutiny earlier this month. Authorities raided X’s Paris office and summoned Musk for questioning. The French investigation runs parallel to the Irish-led privacy probe.

British regulators have also launched their own inquiries despite the UK leaving the European Union. Both data privacy and media regulators in Britain are examining Grok’s image generation capabilities. These investigations operate independently from the EU probes.

GDPR violations carry substantial financial penalties. Companies can face fines up to 4% of global annual revenue or €20 million, whichever amount is higher. The Irish regulator coordinates enforcement across all EU member states for companies headquartered in Ireland.

X has not responded to multiple requests for comment about the investigations. The company faces mounting pressure from regulators across Europe. Irish media regulator Coimisiún na Meán will participate in the Digital Services Act investigation due to X’s Dublin location.

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