Indignation is a poor word to describe the mood of MEPs in the face of the recent scandal of sexual deepfakes generated by Grok, the artificial intelligence of social network X (see EUROPE 13779/14). A debate has therefore been added to the agenda for the plenary session in Strasbourg on Tuesday 20 January, on the urgent need for the EU to combat these abuses by fully applying its digital rules, namely the Digital Services Act (DSA).
“Imagine photos of your own children being used to generate online sexual content. This is horrible but it is the reality for many parents and women in Europe today”, condemned Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, Maltese).
“This should not be allowed under our rules; Elon Musk cannot continue to act with impunity”, he added, calling on the European Commission to achieve a definite result in the investigations launched under the DSA (see EUROPE 13767/1).
A number of MEPs are calling for the creation of a purely European alternative to this social network, in addition to a sanction against X or even a ban on Grok. This would be similar to X but would be better, complying with EU rules and improving the public and democratic debate (see EUROPE 13789/10).
Others on the right refute the legitimacy of a ban on X or generative AI tools, arguing that the way in which they have been used illegally should not condemn the tool, but rather those who misuse it.
“It seems to be the case that some users are fantasising about problematic uses for these technologies. Banning entire tools because of their misuse would be a mistake: we have not banned drawings or photographs because they can be used illegally”, remarked Virginie Joron (PfE, French), whose group is notoriously supportive of Elon Musk’s actions and statements.
A few days after the controversy began, the European Commission ordered X to retain all data relating to its artificial intelligence until at least the end of 2026 (see EUROPE 13782/7).
Although X has since deactivated Grok’s functionality and has ensured that the artificial intelligence tool can no longer generate this type of content, the controversy has not abated – X’s reaction has not satisfied the European Commission, rights protection associations or elected representatives.
For MEPs, the case is another political test of the credibility of the DSA. This debate and the preliminary statements are a signal to the European Commission, which is being called upon to complete its investigations, while any demonstration of Europe taking a firm stance with regard to the digital landscape is seen by the United States as being a direct attack. (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)