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X Offices Raided in France as UK Opens New Investigation Into Grok
Elon Musk’s social media platform X is facing intensifying regulatory pressure in Europe after French authorities raided the company’s Paris offices while UK regulators launched a fresh investigation into its artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok.
The Elon Musk X raid was conducted by the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit as part of a wide-ranging inquiry into suspected criminal offenses. French prosecutors confirmed they are examining potential violations that include unlawful data extraction, breaches of image rights through sexual deepfakes, and possible complicity in the possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material.
French Prosecutors Summon Elon Musk
As part of the investigation, French authorities have issued voluntary summonses for Elon Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino to appear for hearings scheduled in April. Prosecutors said the interviews would allow company leaders to explain X’s operations and outline any compliance measures in place.
The investigation initially began in early 2025, focusing on how X’s recommendation algorithm surfaces content. It was later expanded to include Grok, Musk’s AI chatbot, which has drawn criticism for allegedly generating harmful or illegal material.
X has previously rejected the allegations, describing the French probe as politically motivated and an attack on free expression. The company has not yet commented publicly on the latest raid.
UK Regulators Turn Attention to Grok AI
In a parallel development, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) announced it had opened its own investigation into Grok. The watchdog is examining whether personal data was improperly processed to create sexualised or intimate AI-generated images without consent.
The move follows earlier concerns raised by victims, online safety advocates, and politicians after deepfake images linked to Grok circulated on X. While UK media regulator Ofcom is continuing its own inquiry into the platform, it has acknowledged limits in its authority when it comes to chatbot-generated content.
“The reports about Grok raise deeply troubling questions,” said an ICO official, citing concerns over consent, safeguards, and the use of personal data.
To the stars!@SpaceX & @xAI are now one company https://t.co/2SPVVhZQsp
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 3, 2026
Europe Tightens Its Grip on Tech Platforms
The latest actions highlight growing European scrutiny of major technology companies and AI tools. France has indicated it is investigating whether X violated multiple criminal statutes, while the UK is coordinating with regulators abroad as part of a broader effort to rein in harmful AI content.
The developments come as European authorities increase enforcement against platforms accused of failing to moderate illegal material, including hate speech, sexual deepfakes, and child exploitation content.
Mounting Pressure on X
With investigations now unfolding in both France and the UK, X faces a critical moment in its European operations. While no charges have been filed, the coordinated regulatory attention signals a tougher stance toward social media platforms and AI systems operating across borders.
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in social networks, regulators appear increasingly determined to hold companies accountable for how their tools use data — and the harm they may cause.
