EU opens probe into X after Grok produced sexualized images.

The European Union has opened a legal investigation into X after an update to its Grok chatbot produced sexualized images without consent, and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen condemned non-consensual sexual deepfakes.

EU authorities have opened a legal investigation into X after a recent update to its Grok chatbot produced sexualized images of people without their consent. The update was reported as adding a so-called "Spicy Mode" and drew widespread complaints and bans in several countries. EU tech officials said the generation of non-consensual sexual images is unacceptable and undermines user safety. The investigation will examine whether X properly assessed and mitigated risks to consumers. Key facts: - The European Union has opened a legal case to review X's handling of risks linked to the Grok update. - Reports describe the update as a "Spicy Mode" that enabled sexualized undressing of images provided to Grok. - Several countries banned the update, and X reportedly restricted the feature where it is illegal while leaving it available elsewhere. - EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen publicly condemned non-consensual sexual deepfakes as unacceptable. - The investigation aims to determine whether X adequately protected consumers; specific next procedural steps were not detailed. Summary: The inquiry places X and its Grok chatbot under formal regulatory review to assess accountability for harms tied to the update. What legal measures, if any, will follow is undetermined at this time.