Ireland’s data watchdog has launched a formal investigation into X’s controversial Grok AI chatbot amid concerns it generates sexually explicit deepfakes – including of minors. The probe could result in fines up to 4% of parent company X’s global revenue under EU privacy laws.
The Data Protection Commission (DPC), acting as the EU’s lead regulator for X, confirmed the inquiry focuses on whether Grok violated GDPR rules by processing personal data to create harmful imagery. This follows viral incidents in January 2026 where users manipulated Grok to produce near-nude images of real people, sparking global backlash.
🔴 Why It Matters: Despite X’s attempts to restrict Grok’s capabilities, Reuters confirmed this month that the AI still generates explicit content when prompted. The EU and UK have both opened parallel investigations, signaling growing scrutiny of generative AI’s ethical boundaries.
Elon Musk has repeatedly clashed with EU regulators over content rules, calling them “overreach.” Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump recently criticized the bloc’s tech fines as “digital taxation.”
📊 By the Numbers: • 4%: Potential GDPR fine for X • 27: EU countries under DPC jurisdiction • 2: Weeks since UK launched similar probe
As AI tools become increasingly embedded in social platforms, this case could set precedents for global tech regulation. Stay tuned for updates as the DPC’s investigation unfolds.
