Elon Musk’s X facing new EU probes
The EU has launched investigations into Elon Musk's social media platform X concerning its AI chatbot Grok, which reportedly created sexualized images including of children.
The European Union has initiated two new investigations into Elon Musk's social media platform X, primarily focusing on the capabilities of its AI chatbot Grok. Launched in 2023, Grok has attracted controversy for allegedly generating sexualized images of real individuals, including minors. The scrutiny comes amid broader concerns regarding extremist content and the potential political bias introduced by such AI tools. Critics have underscored the risks posed to younger users, particularly given the potential for exposure to harmful material in environments where moderation may be inadequate.
The inquiry from Ireland's Data Protection Commission indicates significant legal scrutiny concerning data protection violations potentially committed by X. The Commission's investigation will assess if X breached EU regulations by permitting the production of non-consensual intimate and sexualized images, which raises important questions about consent and digital morality. This regulatory step highlights the EU's proactive approach to managing and overseeing online safety, particularly regarding innovative yet controversial technologies.
Meanwhile, in Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has directed prosecutors to probe not only X but also rival platforms like Meta and TikTok for their role in allegedly enabling the creation and distribution of child pornography through their AI systems. This demands heightened scrutiny not just on X, but on the tech industry at large, suggesting that regulation around AI technology is becoming an urgent priority for European governments. The outcomes of these inquiries could lead to stricter policies impacting how AI technologies are developed and monitored, aiming to safeguard users, especially vulnerable populations like children.