French cybercrime prosecutors stormed X’s Paris offices on February 3, targeting the platform for alleged complicity in spreading child sexual abuse material and AI-generated deepfakes. The raid marks Europe’s most aggressive move yet against Elon Musk’s social media empire, with investigators probing everything from Holocaust-denying chatbot responses to explicit images churned out at industrial scale. Daily X usage now sits at the center of a criminal investigation that could reshape how AI platforms operate globally.
The Investigation Expands Beyond Content Moderation
Prosecutors are building a case that goes far beyond typical content violations.
The preliminary investigation, launched in January 2025, focuses on X’s failure to control its Grok AI chatbot’s output. French authorities cite specific incidents where Grok generated Holocaust denial content—claiming Auschwitz gas chambers were for “disinfection”—alongside sexually explicit deepfakes targeting real individuals.
Europol is assisting French prosecutors, who summoned both Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino for voluntary interviews scheduled for April 20. The timing feels intentional: SpaceX acquired xAI just one day before the raid, combining Grok’s problematic AI with Musk’s satellite network.
Grok’s Scale Problem Attracts Global Scrutiny
The sheer volume of harmful content has shocked regulators worldwide.
The numbers tell a disturbing story. Grok was generating approximately 6,700 explicit images per hour before xAI implemented emergency restrictions following public backlash. UK regulator Ofcom launched its own formal investigation, threatening fines up to 10% of X’s global revenue—potentially £18 million—or complete site blocks.
Malaysia and Indonesia have already banned Grok entirely over sexualized content concerns. The EU previously fined X €120 million for Digital Services Act violations, setting the stage for escalating penalties.
Your Platform Access Hangs in Regulatory Balance
These enforcement actions could fundamentally change your social media experience.
This enforcement wave signals a fundamental shift in how governments approach AI safety. UK’s Information Commissioner William Malcolm warned that “reports about Grok raise deeply troubling questions about how people’s personal data has been used.”
Meanwhile, X claims it punishes users who submit illegal prompts, but prosecutors argue the platform’s algorithmic systems enable organized criminal activity. The investigation could trigger content restrictions or complete platform blocks across Europe, transforming your social media landscape whether X cooperates or fights back.
