Grok, owned by Elon Musk, said on Friday that it was rushing to address the artificial intelligence tool’s shortcomings after users complained that it transformed photographs of women or children into sensual ones.
Grok wrote, “We’ve identified lapses in safeguards and are urgently fixing them,” on X, which was once Twitter.
“CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) is illegal and prohibited.”
Following the release of a “edit image” button on Grok in late December, X started receiving complaints of abuse.
The button enables users to alter any image on the platform; complaints have been made about some users choosing to remove garments entirely or in part from women or children in photos.
Musk’s grok manufacturer xAI responded to an AFP inquiry with a succinct, automated statement that said, “the mainstream media lies.”
However, when an X user asked the Grok chatbot about the issue, the chatbot replied that a corporation in the US might be prosecuted for intentionally aiding or failing to stop the production or distribution of child porn.
Government officials in India are asking that X promptly give them information on the steps the firm is taking to delete “obscene, nude, indecent, and sexually suggestive content” created by Grok without the consent of those in such photographs, according to reports from Indian media sites on Friday.
Meanwhile, fresh allegations that Grok was being used to create and distribute child pornography were added to an investigation against X by the Paris public prosecutor’s office.
Following allegations that the social network’s algorithm was being altered for the aim of foreign meddling, the first probe against X was launched in July.
Grok has been under fire in recent months for making a number of divisive statements about anything from the war in Gaza and the India-Pakistan conflict to antisemitic comments and disseminating false information regarding a fatal shooting in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the controversy surrounding Elon Musk-owned Grok?
Grok, an AI tool owned by Elon Musk’s company xAI, is facing criticism after users alleged that it transformed photographs of women and children into sensual or inappropriate images. The issue surfaced after Grok introduced an “edit image” feature in late December.
What did Grok say in response to these allegations?
Grok acknowledged the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stating that it had identified lapses in its safeguards and was urgently working to fix them. The company reiterated that CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) is illegal and strictly prohibited.
What is the “edit image” button, and why is it controversial?
The “edit image” button allows users to modify images posted on X. Complaints arose after some users reportedly used this feature to remove garments partially or entirely from images of women or children, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.
How did xAI respond to media inquiries?
xAI, the company behind Grok, responded to an inquiry from AFP with a brief automated message stating, “the mainstream media lies,” without directly addressing the specific allegations.
Did Grok itself comment on the legal implications?
Yes. When asked by an X user, the Grok chatbot responded that a company in the United States could face prosecution if it intentionally aids or fails to prevent the creation or distribution of child pornography.
Are Indian authorities involved in the matter?
According to reports from Indian media outlets, government officials in India have asked X to provide details on the steps being taken to remove obscene, nude, indecent, or sexually suggestive content generated by Grok without user consent.
Is Grok under investigation outside India?
Yes. New allegations that Grok was used to create and distribute child pornography have been added to an ongoing investigation against X by the Paris public prosecutor’s office in France.
What was the earlier investigation against X about?
The first investigation, launched in July, focused on allegations that X’s algorithm was manipulated for the purpose of foreign interference.
Has Grok faced criticism before this incident?
Yes. In recent months, Grok has been criticised for making controversial statements on sensitive geopolitical issues such as the Gaza war and the India-Pakistan conflict, as well as for antisemitic remarks and spreading false information about a fatal shooting in Australia.
What actions are expected from X and xAI now?
Authorities and regulators expect X and xAI to strengthen content moderation safeguards, remove illegal or harmful content promptly, and provide transparency about the steps being taken to prevent misuse of Grok’s AI tools.
