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Europe is probing Elon Musk\u2019s X for failing to take action to prevent the spread of AI-generated sexually explicit images including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), regulators said in a press release. The European Commission\u2019s investigation could result in \u201cfurther enforcement steps\u201d against X, not long after it levied a $140 million fine against the platform.<\/p>\n
\u201cSexual deepfakes of women and children are a violent, unacceptable form of degradation. With this investigation, we will determine whether X has met its legal obligations under the DSA [Digital Services Act], or whether it treated rights of European citizens \u2014 including those of women and children \u2014 as collateral damage of its service,\u201d said the Commission\u2019s executive VP, Henna Virkkunen in a statement.<\/p>\n
The EU said that it will assess whether X took measures to reduce risks around the dissemination of illegal content when it deployed Grok onto the platform. Those risks include manipulated sexually explicit images including content that may amount to CSAM. \u201cThese risks seem to have materialized, exposing citizens in the EU to serious harm,\u201d the Commission stated.<\/p>\n
On top of the new inquiry, the EC is also expanding its 2023 investigation of X over its recommendation algorithm and tools used to prevent the spread of illicit content.<\/p>\n
The investigation is coming at a delicate time for Europe, which is already in the Trump administration\u2019s crosshairs over its scrutiny of American tech companies. And the EU would also be going up against Musk, who is the owner and has the biggest megaphone on X. After X was hit with a 120 million euro ($140 million fine) for breaching Europe\u2019s Digital Services Act, Musk called the EU \u201cthe fourth Reich\u201d and said in a post on X that it should be \u201cabolished.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response to the inquiry, X reiterated previous comments it has made about Grok. \u201cWe remain committed to making X a safe platform for everyone and continue to have zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, nonconsensual nudity and unwanted sexual content,\u201d a spokesperson told The New York Times<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n