Ireland Opens Investigation Into X Grok Over Data And Harmful Images
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has launched a formal investigation into X’s artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, over concerns about personal data processing and its potential to generate harmful sexualised images and videos, including of children.
The regulator confirmed on Tuesday that it notified X of the decision on Monday. The inquiry will assess whether the company complied with its obligations under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation when processing personal data.
As the lead European Union regulator for X, the Irish authority oversees the company’s compliance because its EU operations are based in Ireland. Under GDPR rules, the commission can impose fines of up to four percent of a company’s global revenue for breaches.
Concerns Over AI Generated Images
The investigation follows widespread outrage after Grok generated AI altered, near nude images of real people in response to user prompts last month. The content triggered global criticism and prompted regulatory scrutiny.
Although X announced measures to prevent the Grok account from producing such material, the chatbot continued to generate similar images when prompted, according to findings earlier this month.
Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle said the authority had engaged with X Internet Unlimited Company, which operates X in the EU and European Economic Area, since media reports first emerged. He stated that the inquiry would examine compliance with fundamental GDPR obligations in relation to the issues raised.
Consequently, the regulator has described the probe as a large scale inquiry into how personal data was processed and whether adequate safeguards were in place.
Wider European And UK Scrutiny
Regulatory pressure has intensified across Europe. The European Commission opened an investigation on January 26 into whether Grok disseminates illegal content, including manipulated sexualised images, within the EU.
Similarly, Britain’s privacy watchdog launched a formal investigation on February 3. That inquiry focuses on personal data processing and the chatbot’s potential to produce harmful sexualised images and video content.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and other members of his administration have criticised EU regulation of American technology companies. They have characterised fines imposed by the bloc as a form of taxation. Elon Musk, the owner of X, has also objected to EU regulations, particularly those governing online content.
However, European regulators have signalled that compliance with data protection and content standards remains mandatory for companies operating within the bloc.
The Irish inquiry now places renewed scrutiny on Grok’s operations in Europe. As investigations proceed, regulators will determine whether X met its legal obligations under GDPR and whether further enforcement action is required.
Inputs from Reuters
