Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has opened a large-scale investigation into X's Grok, focusing on potentially harmful, non-consensual intimate and/or sexualised images involving EU/EEA data subjects, including minors, generated with Grok’s AI.

regulators are examining whether Grok-enabled image generation constitutes processing of personal data and whether it complies with GDPR, especially in relation to child protection and safety.

The probe zeroes in on Grok’s Spicy Mode, which can generate explicit content, raising concerns about non-consensual imagery and safeguarding vulnerable groups.

Across Asia, markets were subdued due to Lunar New Year holidays, with modest moves in major indices as traders await developments.

US officials say dialogue with Cuba continues amid economic strains and embargoes, framed around humanitarian considerations and potential aid.

The Irish inquiry is part of a broader international regulatory crackdown on Grok, with actions already underway in Europe, the UK, Australia, and the United States.

Public reaction to the investigation is mixed, pitting privacy advocates against free-speech and pro-innovation voices amid US-EU regulatory tensions.

Grok faces potential bans or restrictions in Malaysia and Indonesia as regulators scrutinize safety and content-generation capabilities.

Global markets opened cautiously amid geopolitical tensions, regulatory scrutiny of tech, and evolving diplomatic developments.

X has partially complied with regulator requests, first restricting Grok’s image-generation to paid subscribers before extending it to all users.

X has also added safeguards against deepfake manipulation and geoblocked the feature in illegal jurisdictions in response to backlash.

The investigations carry potential penalties, reputational damage, and heightened regulatory pressure that could reshape data protection measures and AI governance for X and similar platforms.