European Union investigates X for non-consensual images

The European Union has initiated a new investigation into X due to the creation of non-consensual sexual images on the platform. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) announced the inquiry, focusing on the generation of harmful intimate images and the processing of personal data of individuals in the EU and EEA, including children.

In an 11-day period, X generated around three million sexualized images, of which approximately 23,000 were of children, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). This investigation will examine whether X violated GDPR laws, particularly regarding users' ability to generate sexualized images using the @Grok account.

The DPC's investigation will determine X's compliance with fundamental GDPR obligations. The DPC was already engaged with X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC) following reports that users could use the @Grok account to create such images.

This investigation could have significant implications for X across the EU, expanding similar ongoing inquiries within the bloc. In January, the European Commission also launched an investigation to assess whether X violated the Digital Services Act, focusing on evaluating and mitigating risks associated with illegal AI-generated content.

X had stated in January that it would prevent Grok from editing photos of real people to add revealing clothing. However, a reporter recently noted that Grok was still creating such images, placing men in revealing outfits.