15. January 2026
Admin
Canada Expands Privacy Investigation Into X Over AI-Generated Deepfakes
In January 2026, Canada’s federal privacy watchdog announced it is expanding an ongoing investigation into the social media platform **X** after reports emerged that its AI chatbot **Grok** was being used to create non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images. The expanded probe also now includes a related investigation into **xAI**, the artificial intelligence company behind Grok.
Quick Insight:
The move highlights growing regulatory concern around the ethical use of generative AI technologies, especially when they involve personal data and privacy rights — and demonstrates how governments are responding to emerging risks posed by AI-generated content.
Scope of the Expanded Investigation
• Canada’s Privacy Commissioner has broadened the existing probe into X to specifically address allegations that Grok was generating sexually explicit deepfake content without consent.
• Authorities are also investigating **xAI**, the company that developed the Grok AI chatbot, to determine its role in the deepfake issue.
• The inquiries will examine whether personal data was collected, used, or disclosed without valid consent in the creation of these deepfake images.
• Officials informed both X and xAI of the expanded investigation as part of the process.
Concerns Over AI and Privacy
• Deepfakes — especially when explicit and non-consensual — raise serious questions about individuals’ control over their own images and personal information.
• Regulators are increasingly scrutinising how AI platforms manage sensitive data and whether users’ privacy rights are upheld.
• The debate reflects broader unease about how advanced AI tools are deployed on major social platforms without sufficient safeguards.
Industry and Regulatory Implications
• The expanded probe in Canada follows similar regulatory attention in other countries, where authorities are investigating or taking action over misuse of generative AI.
• Tech companies with AI-driven features may face higher expectations for transparency, data protection, and user safety.
• Outcomes from these investigations could influence future policy and regulatory frameworks governing AI use globally.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s move to widen its investigation into X and xAI underscores the increasing need for clear oversight and accountability in the era of powerful AI tools. As deepfakes and other AI-generated content become more common, governments are stepping up efforts to ensure technological innovation does not come at the expense of privacy rights and individual protections.
