Commission tells X to retain internal records on AI chatbot Grok

The Commission on Thursday asked Elon Musk’s X to retain all internal documents and data relating to its AI chatbot Grok – using powers to regulate the social media platform under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

X’s controversial generative AI chatbot has come under fire in recent days over a so-called “spicy” mode that allowed Grok users to create sexualised deepfakes, including undressing pictures of women and minors.

The social media company has been asked to retain all data related to Grok, including internal documents, until the end of 2026, according to the Commission’s digital spokesperson Thomas Regnier.

The order recalls earlier Commission action, back in January 2025, when the EU’s executive asked X to retain documents related to its recommender systems, including regarding any changes to internal algorithms.

That move followed an interview conducted by Musk – and broadcast on X – with Germany’s far-right leader, Alice Weidel, amid concerns the tech billionaire may have artificially boosted the visibility of the political content on his platform ahead of German elections.

“This is a continuation of the measures that we have already taken,” said Regnier on Thursday, referring to last year’s retention order.

On Monday, the Commission also announced that it had received responses from X about Grok’s output following an earlier request for information under the DSA – triggered by concerns about the controversial chatbot spewing Holocaust denial content.

“The DSA is very clear: In Europe, all platforms have to get their own house in order because what they’re generating here is unacceptable,” Regnier also said on Thursday.

“It’s X’s responsibility to take care of Grok and make sure that this is not generated,” he added.

But despite growing calls from EU lawmakers and countries, the Commission also confirmed on Thursday that it has not opened a formal investigation into Grok over the deepfake porn scandal.

(nl)