Elon Musk’s social platform X and its AI division xAI are now at the center of international investigations after French authorities raided X’s Paris offices and the UK launched a fresh probe into Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok. These actions underscore increasing pressure on tech companies operating in Europe to balance AI innovation, digital safety, and legal compliance.

The Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime division confirmed it conducted a raid at X’s offices in France. The search forms part of an ongoing investigation that began in January 2025, initially focused on algorithmic recommendations made by X. In July of the same year, the scope was expanded to include concerns surrounding the content produced by Grok, X’s AI-powered chatbot.

French prosecutors are reportedly investigating possible violations, including:

Authorities are also examining whether X’s automated systems may have amplified illegal content through its algorithm. Elon Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino have been summoned for hearings in April 2026, alongside other company representatives.

X has described the French investigation as politically motivated, arguing that it amounts to an attack on free speech. French authorities have rejected these claims, stating that the investigation is intended to ensure compliance with national and EU law.

Simultaneously, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) announced a formal probe into Grok, citing concerns that the AI chatbot may have been used to generate sexualized or intimate images without consent.

The ICO is investigating whether:

William Malcolm, Executive Director for Regulatory Risk & Innovation at the ICO, described the reports on Grok as “deeply troubling”, emphasizing the importance of privacy-by-design safeguards and robust oversight when AI tools process sensitive personal data.

The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, is also monitoring X under the Online Safety Act. While the regulator currently lacks the authority to directly regulate AI chatbots like Grok, it continues to treat the issue as a matter of urgency, particularly with respect to harmful or illegal deepfake content circulating on the platform.

The case highlights a growing regulatory gap around AI systems and illustrates the challenges lawmakers face in adapting existing online safety and content moderation rules to generative AI.

The European Commission has previously launched an investigation into xAI, Grok, and X under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The EU’s DSA mandates that very large online platforms assess systemic risks, ensure content moderation compliance, and prevent the amplification of illegal or harmful material.

These European regulatory efforts signal a coordinated push to hold AI-powered platforms accountable, emphasizing that rapid technological advancement must be accompanied by user safety measures and legal compliance.

The raids and investigations mark a pivotal moment in global discussions about AI governance. Key takeaways include:

With hearings scheduled in France and investigations ongoing in the UK, X and xAI face months of regulatory scrutiny. Outcomes could include fines, compliance mandates, or new operational requirements affecting AI systems and social media platforms worldwide.

The investigations also highlight the growing legal responsibilities for AI developers and social media operators. For users, policymakers, and the technology industry, these developments underscore the importance of ethical AI deployment, strong content moderation, and clear legal frameworks.

As X and Grok remain under scrutiny, the situation will likely shape global standards for AI governance, digital safety, and platform accountability, setting precedents for how emerging technologies operate in the public sphere.