Grok deepfakes prompt EU investigations as White House pressures allies to relax tech rules
Elon Musk's xAI released a version of Grok that generated millions of sexually explicit deepfake images, leading to formal investigations by several European countries. The Trump administration reportedly pressured these countries with tariff threats to relax their technology regulations designed to protect against such abuses.
What happened
A version of Grok released in 2025 resulted in the online spread of millions of sexually explicit deepfakes.
Several European countries initiated formal investigations into xAI and Grok following the deepfake proliferation.
The Trump administration allegedly pressured European allies with tariff threats to relax their technology regulations that would hold tech companies accountable for enabling child sexual exploitation online.
Reported impact
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation identified Grok as one of the biggest contributors to online sexual exploitation of children in 2026.
Millions of sexually explicit deepfake images spread online as a result of Grok's capabilities.
Index analysis
The incident involves the use of AI image generation technology to create non-consensual sexually explicit synthetic media.
The case raises concerns about inadequate content moderation and safety controls in AI systems, particularly around detection and prevention of deepfake abuse.
Governance controls
European countries with robust domestic online safety laws were reportedly able to take action against Grok either through immediate crackdowns or holding the company accountable after the fact.
The Trump administration's trade negotiations included use of tariffs to pressure countries into abandoning their pro-consumer technology regulations.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.