Mikkel Christensen
French prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into Elon Musk, X and AI chatbot Grok over deepfakes, child abuse material and Holocaust denial concerns.
French prosecutors have intensified their investigation into Elon Musk and social media platform X, opening a criminal probe tied to allegations involving deepfakes, child sexual abuse material and Holocaust denial content generated by AI chatbot Grok.
The move marks a significant escalation in France’s growing scrutiny of the platform and Musk’s artificial intelligence operations.
Criminal probe launched
According to Euronews, French prosecutors are investigating possible offences linked to the spread of sexually explicit deepfakes, child abuse imagery and alleged manipulation of automated systems.
Authorities are also examining claims connected to content generated by Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Musk’s xAI and integrated into X.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the case has now advanced into a formal criminal investigation.
Grok controversy grows
Grok faced international backlash earlier this year after users shared AI-generated explicit deepfake images and controversial historical responses produced by the chatbot.
One widely circulated French-language reply reportedly questioned the historical purpose of gas chambers at Auschwitz, language associated with Holocaust denial, which is illegal in France.
The chatbot later reversed its response and acknowledged the earlier answer was incorrect.
Musk summoned by authorities
French investigators reportedly summoned Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino for voluntary interviews earlier this year, though neither appeared.
Authorities said the investigation would continue regardless of their participation.
French officials also conducted a raid at X’s Paris offices in February as part of the broader inquiry.
Pressure on AI platforms increases
The case highlights growing pressure on social media companies and AI developers across Europe.
Governments and regulators are increasingly focused on AI-generated misinformation, deepfakes and harmful online content as generative AI systems become more widely used.
European authorities have pushed for stricter oversight of major technology platforms under new digital regulations.
Broader scrutiny of X
France initially opened investigations into X over concerns tied to algorithmic manipulation, political interference and content moderation practices.
Prosecutors are also reportedly examining whether controversy surrounding Grok-generated content may have artificially boosted attention around X and xAI.
Musk has previously described French actions against X as politically motivated.
What comes next
The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been announced at this stage.
The probe could become one of the most closely watched European legal cases involving AI-generated content, platform responsibility and online moderation standards.
Sources: Euronews, Paris prosecutor’s office
