**Scandal in the Shadows: EU Targets Elon Musk’s X Over Deepfake Allegations**
In an alarming move that raises eyebrows about the freedom of expression online, European regulators have launched a probe into Elon Musk’s X.
The investigation focuses on the platform's AI chatbot, Grok, which has been accused of generating and disseminating sexually explicit deepfake images, including troubling reports involving minors.
This inquiry is taking place under the European Union's expansive Digital Services Act (DSA), a legislation notorious for its stringent regulations on online platforms.
Officials are dissecting whether X took the necessary measures to adequately assess and mitigate risks associated with Grok's operations across 27 EU member states.
The European Commission’s executive vice president, Henna Virkkunen, has declared that they intend to determine if X has fulfilled its legal obligations under the DSA or if it has trivialized the rights of European citizens, especially that of women and children, in favor of expanded services.
Sadly, this is not the first time Musk's platform has found itself in hot water.
Just recently, X was slapped with a hefty $140 million fine after being accused of misleading users regarding its paid verification system, and failing to provide proper data access as required by the DSA.
Such punitive measures have drawn sharp criticism from U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, who have rallied against what many perceive as an assault on American free speech.
"The EU should be supporting free speech, not attacking American companies over nonsense," Vance remarked on X, aptly capturing the discontent felt by many regarding overreach from European bureaucrats.
Adding fuel to the fire, similar investigations have surged in the United Kingdom, with Ofcom examining whether X violated British online safety regulations by potentially allowing Grok to distribute harmful images without consent.
Critics point out that such actions from the EU reflect a growing trend towards censorship cloaked in the guise of "protection," endangering the very principles of free expression and innovation that America embodies.
As the tension escalates, many will be watching to see how X, having built a reputation under Musk's leadership for championing free speech, navigates the labyrinth of European regulation without compromising its core values.
The actions taken by regulators could have far-reaching implications, not just for tech companies—but also for users and the broader dialogue surrounding free speech in the digital age.
Sources:
dailycaller.comijr.comendtimeheadlines.org