Irish regulator investigates X’s AI tool Grok over sexualized deepfakes

Listen to this story:

0:00

Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.

Published :

14 hours ago|

World

Irish Data Protection Commission launches probe into Grok for potentially creating sexualized deepfake images.
Investigation targets violations of EU data protection laws, including misuse involving minors.

Ireland’s data watchdog has opened a formal investigation into the AI-powered chat tool Grok on social media platform X, amid reports that it can generate sexually explicit deepfake images.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) announced Tuesday that the probe will examine whether Grok violates the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), particularly in cases involving images created without consent, including those of minors.

Regulatory framework and scope

Since X’s European operations are headquartered in Ireland, the DPC serves as the lead authority enforcing EU data rules on the platform. Graham Doyle, Deputy Commissioner at the DPC, said the agency had been in contact with X following “media reports in recent weeks regarding alleged user capabilities to generate sexual images of real people, including minors.”

The investigation will scrutinize claims that Grok could produce intimate or sexualized images of European individuals without permission, raising concerns over consent and child protection.

Global scrutiny intensifies

Countries including several in Europe began reviewing Grok in January, evaluating stricter regulations and potential bans over its deepfake capabilities. The European Commission is also assessing X’s compliance with the EU Digital Services Act, which governs content moderation and responsibilities for major tech platforms.

X has responded by limiting Grok’s image-generation feature to paying subscribers, but critics argue this does not fully address the potential risks. The case underscores ongoing tensions between EU digital regulations and U.S. authorities, with Washington warning that such rules could restrict free expression and target American tech firms.

History of oversight

This is the second major DPC investigation involving X and its AI systems. In April 2025, the regulator probed the platform over its use of personal data to train AI models, including Grok. The DPC confirmed Monday that X had been formally notified of the new investigation. X has not provided a comment.