Brussels is investigating X's artificial intelligence tool for undressing and sexualizing real women.

BrusselsNew research on the European Commission against 'X'Brussels announced on Monday that it has opened an investigation into the social network Grok, an artificial intelligence tool, for generating "illegal" sexual content and for lacking sufficient controls to prevent the misuse of this technology by users of Elon Musk's company. EU sources explain that the investigation will focus on the manipulation of photographs of real people, who can have their clothing removed and be explicitly sexualized. The European Commission also warns that content that could be considered "child sexual abuse" is often generated. The European Commission's formal investigation is just beginning, but Brussels states in a press release that these "risks appear to have materialized" and "expose citizens of the European Union to serious harm." Specifically, the European Commission fears that the "illegal content" will have "negative effects in relation to gender-based violence" and "negative consequences for the physical and mental well-being" of victims who are sexualized through X's artificial intelligence tool. Furthermore, the European Commission has also extended the formal process of another investigation against X that it opened in December 2023. In this case, Brussels wants to determine whether the social network has generally adapted its services to the new European Union Digital Services Act. The Commission also reports that it will include an investigation into the impact of the new Grok tool.

Brussels warns that opening a formal investigation does not "prejudge" the final results. However, if Musk's company is found to be violating European regulations, the European Commission can ask it to reform its services and security controls. In the worst-case scenario, as has happened previously with major US tech companies, the EU executive can impose multi-billion euro fines, amounting to a maximum of around 6% of the company's global revenue.

The EU's open war against X

Brussels already levied a €120 million fine against Musk's social network at the end of last year, a figure that represents almost 5% of X's global revenue. Furthermore, the European Commission has several open investigations against major tech companies, and the magnate refuses to cooperate with EU authorities. And, in line with the Donald Trump administration, Musk is also constantly criticizing legislation on digital services in the EU and pressuring the European Commission to deregulate the sector. At least for the moment, Brussels is refusing, and the European Commission's tone toward Musk this Monday was harsh. "We have seen doctored images of real women without their consent and content that constitutes child sexual abuse. No company will make money by violating our fundamental rights," the Commission's spokesperson, Thomas Regnier, emphasized at a press conference.