EU Opens New Investigation Into X and Grok AI Tool

The European Union has opened a new investigation into X over how it uses artificial intelligence on its platform.

On January 26, 2026, the European Commission announced a formal probe into X’s AI tool, Grok, under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

At the same time, regulators expanded an earlier investigation launched in December 2023. That case focuses on whether X complies with EU rules governing recommender systems.

Focus on Grok AI Integration

The new probe will examine how X deployed Grok within the European Union.

According to the Commission, investigators want to determine whether X properly identified and reduced risks linked to Grok’s integration. In particular, they will assess whether the AI tool contributed to the spread of illegal content.

This includes manipulated sexually explicit material and content that may qualify as child sexual abuse material. EU officials said evidence suggests some of these risks may already have occurred.

Risks to Users and Public Safety

Regulators will also review whether X met its legal duty to address broader systemic risks.

These include risks related to gender-based violence, as well as potential harm to users’ physical and mental health. Under the DSA, large online platforms must actively assess and reduce such dangers.

In addition, the Commission will check whether X submitted a required ad hoc risk assessment before launching Grok’s features in the EU.

Expanded Review of Recommender Systems

Separately, the Commission has widened its earlier investigation into X’s recommender systems.

That review will now include X’s recent move toward a Grok-based recommendation model. Investigators will assess whether the system increases exposure to harmful or illegal content.

EU law requires platforms to explain how their algorithms work and to limit systemic risks created by automated recommendations.

What Happens Next

The investigation does not yet mean X has broken the law.

However, if regulators find violations, X could face significant fines or be required to change how Grok and its recommender systems operate in Europe.

The Digital Services Act gives the EU stronger powers to regulate large online platforms and hold them accountable for how their technologies affect users.