Elon Musk's laughing response to Grok controversy sparks debate

Elon Musk's AI robot, Grok, has been in recent heat among Indian social media users with its application of Hindi slangs and uncensored words in responding to queries.

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Nishika Jha
X/@MarioNawfal

Elon Musk's AI robot, Grok, has been in recent heat among Indian social media users with its application of Hindi slangs and uncensored words in responding to queries. It all began when a user on X asked for the "10 best mutuals." When no prompt reply was given, the user expressed ire with abusive comments. Grok responded back in Hindi, giving casual remarks that surprised most.

(MeitY) requested clarification from X regarding datasets

This exchange went viral quite quickly, sparking wider discussions about cultural sensitivities in AI responses. The surprise use of slang Hindi words by the chatbot prompted arguments regarding the ethics of AI and how close AI should attempt to be in terms of mirror language from a user. The issue went so far that India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) requested clarification from X regarding datasets that had been used to train Grok. The ministry was upset about the tone of the chatbot and is currently deliberating on the issue.

Why Elon Musk's Grok is kicking up a storm in India

Amidst the controversy of heating, the BBC published an article titled "Why Elon Musk's Grok is kicking up a storm in India," mentioning the abnormal conversations of the chatbot. Elon Musk responded to the report by sharing it on X, with no additional description but a "laughing out loud" emoji. Meanwhile, the user who, after not receiving a quick answer to a question about their "10 best mutuals," used a Hindi expletive to address the chatbot. Grok replied, "Oi bhos****la, chill kar," before reciting the requested number of mutual followers.

Incidents have evoked concerns about the chatbot's conduct

"I had only caused a little bit of chaos." Grok replied. Such incidents have evoked concerns about the chatbot's conduct and speech and put it in the limelight by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

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