Technology

Dublin, Ireland – Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched a formal, large-scale inquiry into X, formerly known as Twitter, over concerns that its artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, is being used to generate non-consensual sexual images of individuals, including children. The investigation centers on whether X has violated the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) through the processing of personal data in the creation and dissemination of these images.

The DPC, which serves as the lead privacy regulator for X within the European Union due to the company’s Irish headquarters, announced the inquiry on Tuesday. The probe will specifically examine X Internet Unlimited Company’s (XIUC) compliance with core GDPR principles, including lawful data processing, data protection by design, and the requirement for data protection impact assessments. This action underscores growing international scrutiny of X’s content moderation practices and the potential harms stemming from its AI technologies.

“The DPC has been engaging with XIUC since media reports first emerged a number of weeks ago concerning the alleged ability of X users to prompt the @Grok account on X to generate sexualised images of real people, including children,” stated DPC Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle. “As the Lead Supervisory Authority for XIUC across the EU/EEA, the DPC has commenced a large-scale inquiry which will examine XIUC’s compliance with some of their fundamental obligations under the GDPR in relation to the matters at hand.”

This investigation is part of a broader, multinational effort to hold X accountable for the alleged misuse of Grok. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) initiated its own formal investigation on February 3rd, while the European Commission began proceedings in January to assess whether X adequately evaluated the risks associated with deploying Grok under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Growing International Pressure on X

Beyond Europe, legal authorities are also scrutinizing X’s handling of AI-generated content. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the UK’s online safety regulator, Ofcom, are independently investigating the platform over the creation and sharing of non-consensual sexually explicit material through Grok. The escalating legal pressure reflects widespread concerns about the potential for AI to facilitate abuse and the challenges of regulating rapidly evolving technologies.

Earlier this month, French prosecutors raided X’s Paris offices as part of a criminal investigation into whether Grok was used to generate child sexual abuse material and Holocaust denial content. According to reports, French authorities have summoned Elon Musk, X CEO Linda Yaccarino, and other X employees for interviews in April.

The DPC’s investigation carries significant weight, as its findings could lead to substantial fines applicable across all 27 EU member states and the three European Economic Area countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). The ICO also possesses the authority to impose fines of up to £17.5 million, or 4% of X’s global annual turnover, for GDPR violations.

Potential Penalties and Regulatory Landscape

The potential financial penalties underscore the increasing regulatory risks facing large technology companies. Violations of the GDPR can result in fines of up to 4% of a company’s total global revenue, as noted in reports from DW.com. The separate EU probe under the Digital Services Act could lead to fines of up to 6% of global revenues.

The investigations come as regulators worldwide grapple with the challenges of balancing innovation with the require to protect individuals from harm. The DSA, in particular, requires online platforms to proactively address illegal and harmful content.

What comes next will likely involve a lengthy and complex legal process as X responds to the various investigations and attempts to demonstrate its compliance with data protection and content moderation regulations. The outcomes of these inquiries could set important precedents for the regulation of AI-generated content and the responsibilities of social media platforms in safeguarding user privacy and safety.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

The world’s most well-known cryptocurrency is facing increasing pressure. Even supportive statements and political signals from Donald Trump’s camp haven’t been able to halt Bitcoin’s downward trend. The digital asset, once soaring on promises of a “crypto capital of the world,” is now grappling with macroeconomic headwinds and a shifting investor landscape.

Hopes for a politically-driven rally are fading. Trump, who previously expressed more openness towards cryptocurrencies than many other politicians, inspired a surge in Bitcoin’s value after his 2024 reelection. However, market reactions are now less sensitive to political rhetoric, with broader economic factors taking precedence. The situation highlights the complex interplay between political support and fundamental market forces in the volatile crypto space.

High interest rates, uncertainty in the stock markets, and a generally more cautious risk appetite among investors are particularly impacting speculative asset classes. Cryptocurrencies, still considered volatile, are highly sensitive to shifts in market sentiment. This has led to a significant correction after Bitcoin reached a peak of over $126,000 in October 2025, according to reporting from NPR .

The decline isn’t solely economic. Regulatory scrutiny is likewise playing a role. Authorities worldwide are examining stricter regulations for crypto exchanges and trading platforms, causing hesitation among many investors. This increased oversight, although aimed at protecting investors, adds another layer of uncertainty to the market.

Bitcoin’s Fall From Grace

Analysts point out that the Bitcoin price heavily relies on liquidity and market psychology. Political support alone isn’t enough to reverse structural trends. As n-tv.de reports, despite Trump’s efforts – including installing crypto-friendly leaders in US regulatory agencies, pardoning convicted crypto figures, and initiating a state Bitcoin reserve – the downward trend persists. The initial boost following his election in November 2024 has completely evaporated, with Bitcoin briefly falling below $65,000 in early February 2026.

The current market downturn is also fueled by liquidations of highly leveraged Bitcoin bets, a common practice in the crypto market. Investors who borrowed funds to purchase Bitcoin are now facing significant losses as the price declines, exacerbating the downward pressure. This highlights the inherent risks associated with leveraged trading in the volatile crypto space.

Trump’s Crypto Ties and Family Losses

Trump’s involvement with cryptocurrency extends beyond political support. His family has developed an expanding crypto empire, including the launch of Donald Trump coins as NFTs, generating nearly $84 million in sales and royalties, as noted by TradersUnion. However, the recent market crash has significantly impacted the value of these ventures.

Reports indicate that the Trump family may have lost approximately $4 billion due to the crash, with losses stemming from projects like Trump Media & Technology Group and World Liberty Financial. The decline in the value of Trump Media stock, in which Trump holds a substantial stake, has further contributed to these losses, according to Capital.de. This demonstrates the financial risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies, even for those closely aligned with the industry.

A Volatile Future for Bitcoin

Despite the current weakness, Bitcoin remains a long-term speculation or diversification instrument for many investors. However, recent price movements underscore its vulnerability to external influences. Whether the price can stabilize depends less on individual political actors and more on global economic conditions and investor confidence.

The future of Bitcoin remains uncertain. While Trump’s support initially provided a boost, the market’s trajectory is now dictated by broader economic forces and regulatory developments. Investors should approach the cryptocurrency market with caution, recognizing its inherent volatility and the potential for significant losses.

What comes next for Bitcoin will likely depend on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and the evolving regulatory landscape. Continued monitoring of these factors will be crucial for understanding the future direction of the cryptocurrency market. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Postfinance is broadening its cryptocurrency services, now offering clients access to six additional digital assets: Algorand (ALGO), Arbitrum (ARB), NEAR Protocol (NEAR), Stellar (XLM), USDC, and SUI. This expansion brings the total number of cryptocurrencies available for trading and custody to 22, according to a statement released Tuesday. The move underscores a growing trend of traditional financial institutions embracing digital currencies and responding to increasing customer demand.

The Swiss bank first introduced direct access to cryptocurrencies in early 2024, becoming the first systemically important Swiss bank to offer such a service. This latest expansion builds on that initial foray, positioning Postfinance as a key player in the evolving Swiss crypto landscape. The bank reports significant customer engagement since launch, with over 36,000 crypto portfolios opened and more than 565,000 trades executed.

Responding to Client Demand and “Democratizing” Access

According to Alexander Thoma, Head of Digital Assets at Postfinance, the expansion is a direct response to client interest. “Our clients want to trade cryptocurrencies with their trusted primary bank. That is exactly what we provide, and we are consistently investing in the further expansion of our offering,” Thoma stated. Postfinance emphasizes that its broad selection of cryptocurrencies differentiates it from other retail banks and aims to “democratize” the crypto market by lowering the barrier to entry.

The minimum investment threshold for both crypto savings plans and individual orders remains at $50, making digital asset investment accessible to a wider range of customers. This low threshold, combined with the security of a traditional banking institution, is a key component of Postfinance’s strategy.

USDC on Algorand: A Focus on Efficiency

The inclusion of USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, and its availability on the Algorand blockchain, highlights a focus on efficient and low-cost transactions. USDC on Algorand is designed for swift and simple fund movement, leveraging the Algorand blockchain’s capabilities. Circle, the issuer of USDC, launched USDC on Algorand in late 2020, and as of September 2021, over 200 million USDC were in circulation on the network according to Circle. Binance currently lists the ALGO/USDC trading pair as of February 17, 2026, demonstrating existing market liquidity.

Switzerland’s Growing Crypto Ecosystem

Postfinance’s move comes as Switzerland continues to establish itself as a hub for digital asset innovation. The country has been proactive in creating a regulatory framework that supports blockchain technology and cryptocurrency businesses. This supportive environment has attracted a number of crypto companies and investors to Switzerland, fostering a growing ecosystem. finews.com reports that Postfinance’s expansion further solidifies Switzerland’s position in the blockchain financial landscape.

The addition of Algorand, Arbitrum, NEAR Protocol, Stellar, and SUI alongside existing offerings demonstrates Postfinance’s commitment to providing a diverse range of digital asset options for its customers. The bank’s strategy appears to be focused on offering both established cryptocurrencies and emerging projects, catering to a broad spectrum of investor preferences.

Looking ahead, Postfinance is expected to continue expanding its digital asset services, potentially adding new cryptocurrencies and features based on client demand and market developments. The bank’s success in attracting customers to its crypto offerings will likely influence the strategies of other traditional financial institutions considering similar moves.

What are your thoughts on traditional banks offering cryptocurrency services? Share your opinions in the comments below.