BRUSSELS — The European Commission has initiated a formal examination into serious allegations against Elon Musk’s generative artificial intelligence platform Grok, following reports of the system being exploited to create and distribute sexually explicit imagery depicting childlike figures.
In a strongly worded statement delivered to press representatives on Monday, EU digital affairs spokesperson Thomas Regnier condemned the platform’s recently introduced ‘spicy mode’ feature, which allegedly facilitates the generation of explicit sexual content. Regnier emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating: ‘What Grok is presenting as merely ‘spicy’ content generation crosses into clearly illegal territory when it involves childlike imagery. This isn’t just inappropriate—it’s appalling and has absolutely no place within European digital spaces.’
The investigation represents one of the most significant regulatory actions taken against generative AI technology since the implementation of the EU’s landmark Artificial Intelligence Act. Commission officials confirmed they are examining whether Grok’s content moderation systems and safety protocols comply with European digital safety standards and child protection regulations.
This development occurs amidst growing global concern about the potential misuse of advanced AI systems for generating harmful content. European regulators have increasingly focused on holding technology platforms accountable for implementing robust safeguards against the creation and distribution of illegal material, particularly content that endangers minors.
The outcome of this investigation could establish important precedents for how generative AI platforms must implement content controls and age-appropriate safeguards across the European Union’s digital single market.