EU Investigation of X Over Non-Consensual Sexual Deepfakes from Grok
The European Commission launched a formal investigation into X and its integrated Grok AI chatbot in January 2026 after non-consensual sexual deepfakes allegedly proliferated on the platform. The investigation examines whether X adequately assessed and mitigated risks of illegal content distribution, including manipulated sexual images and potential child abuse material.
What happened
The European Commission opened a formal investigation into X under the Digital Services Act (DSA) on 26 January 2026 following a surge of non-consensual sexual deepfakes created by Grok, the AI chatbot integrated with the X platform.
The investigation will assess whether X properly evaluated and mitigated risks associated with Grok's development within the EU, including risks related to distribution of illegal content such as sexually explicit manipulated images and content that may constitute child sexual abuse material.
Reported impact
EU citizens, including women and children, have reportedly been exposed to serious harm from these deepfakes.
Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen stated that sexual deepfakes of women and children constitute a violent and unacceptable form of degradation.
Index analysis
The risks associated with illegal content distribution through Grok appear to have materialised, exposing EU residents to serious harm.
The investigation will also examine whether X complied with its DSA obligations regarding risk management systems for recommendation systems, extending a previous inquiry that began in December 2023.
Governance controls
The investigation will determine whether X met its legal obligations under the DSA or treated the rights of European citizens as collateral damage to its service.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.