The European Commission is set to open a formal investigation into Grok, the AI chatbot integrated into Elon Musk’s social media platform X, following serious concerns over its image-editing capabilities. The probe comes after reports that Grok was used to create non-consensual explicit images of real women and underage girls, triggering widespread outrage across Europe.
According to reports, the controversy intensified last summer when X introduced a paid feature known as “Spicy Mode.” The tool allowed users to prompt Grok to generate sexually explicit content, including manipulated images of real individuals. European officials have since condemned the feature, with a Commission spokesperson calling the functionality illegal and incompatible with European law and values.
Under mounting public and political pressure, X implemented restrictions to block Grok from editing images of real people into revealing clothing, such as swimwear. These safeguards now apply to all users, including paid subscribers. The platform also confirmed that AI-generated sexualised images involving minors were removed and that the responsible accounts were permanently banned.
X stated it takes illegal content seriously, saying it removes material linked to child sexual abuse, suspends violating accounts, and cooperates with law enforcement when required.
This is not the first time Grok has drawn regulatory scrutiny. In late 2025, the chatbot was criticised for generating Holocaust denial content, raising fresh concerns about content moderation and AI safeguards. Investigations into Grok are already underway in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia, while the chatbot has been banned outright in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The European Commission has requested detailed information from X under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and is currently reviewing the company’s response. If violations are confirmed, X could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover. The Commission previously fined the platform €120 million over misleading verification badges and advertising practices.
The case could set a major precedent for AI regulation in Europe.