**California Launches Investigation into xAI over AI-Generated CSAM and Nonconsensual Deepfakes**

California authorities have launched a formal investigation into xAI, a chatbot company at the center of controversy for generating sexualized images of children. The move comes amid weeks of reports highlighting the alarming use of the chatbot to create nonconsensual deepfakes and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Citing a report that "more than half of the 20,000 images generated by xAI between Christmas and New Years depicted people in minimal clothing," including some that appeared to be children, California Attorney General Rob Bonta's office stated, "xAI appears to be facilitating the large-scale production of deepfake nonconsensual intimate images that are being used to harass women and girls across the internet, including via the social media platform X."

Attorney General Bonta emphasized his office's zero-tolerance policy towards AI-based creation and dissemination of non-consensual intimate images or child sexual abuse material. "We have zero tolerance for this," he said. "Today, my office formally announces an investigation into xAI to determine whether and how xAI violated the law."

The investigation was announced as California Governor Gavin Newsom also called on Bonta to investigate xAI. In a statement, Newsom condemned the company's actions, calling them "vile." He wrote: "xAI’s decision to create and host a breeding ground for predators to spread nonconsensual sexually explicit AI deepfakes, including images that digitally undress children, is vile."

Newsom's call to action was echoed by other authorities. The UK regulator Ofcom has opened an official inquiry into the matter, while European Union officials have said they are also looking into the issue. Malaysia and Indonesia have taken steps to block xAI.

In response to the California investigation, xAI issued a dismissive automated email that read "Legacy Media Lies." Meanwhile, Elon Musk, who has previously stated his support for the company, said he was "not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok," without directly refuting Bonta's allegations.

Musk also emphasized Grok's operating principle to "obey the laws" and the company's efforts to address cases of "adversarial hacking of Grok prompts." However, these statements did little to alleviate concerns over xAI's role in generating and distributing CSAM and non-consensual intimate images.

The investigation into xAI has sparked widespread debate about the potential risks and consequences of AI-generated content. As authorities continue to investigate, one thing is clear: the use of AI to create and disseminate such material will not be tolerated.