Overview
- An Garda Síochána told Ireland’s Oireachtas Media Committee it is investigating about 200 Grok-linked reports that may constitute child sexual abuse material, with cases being pursued where evidence warrants.
- Canada’s Privacy Commissioner widened an existing investigation to include xAI and consent issues tied to Grok-generated deepfakes, examining compliance with federal privacy law and use of personal information.
- X and xAI said they now geoblock and restrict Grok from editing images of real people in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where illegal, stating the limits apply to all users, though independent checks found continued access for some free users.
- Authorities worldwide escalated actions, with Malaysia and Indonesia blocking access to Grok, Ofcom and the European Commission probing possible online-safety and DSA breaches, and U.S. state officials including California’s attorney general examining the tool.
- Ireland’s minister with responsibility for AI said current laws such as Coco’s Law and the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act are effective, and platforms including X have been called to a February 4 committee hearing, with further meetings set with X.