Elon Musk, owner of the microblogging site X, stated that users employing the platform’s AI service, Grok, to create illegal content will face similar repercussions as those uploading such content. This announcement came after the Ministry of Electronics and IT instructed X to promptly remove vulgar and unlawful content generated by Grok or face legal action.
The ministry has mandated X to submit a detailed action taken report within 72 hours from the issuance of the order. This directive was issued following complaints from various parliamentary stakeholders about certain content on X not complying with laws related to decency and obscenity.
Government’s Directive on AI Content
The government’s directive followed a letter from Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The letter sought urgent intervention regarding the misuse of Grok for creating vulgar images of women and posting them online. The ministry has asked X to take action against offending content, users, and accounts.
Musk responded to a post on inappropriate images by saying, “Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content.” The post compared blaming Grok for inappropriate images to blaming a pen for writing something bad, emphasizing user responsibility.
Compliance Framework Review
On December 29, Meity urged social media companies to review their compliance frameworks and act against obscene and unlawful content. Failure to do so may result in prosecution under existing laws. This advisory came after noticing that platforms were not strictly addressing inappropriate content.
The government order highlighted that Grok is being misused by users creating fake accounts to host or share obscene images or videos of women in a derogatory manner. Such actions are intended to indecently denigrate women, which is against the law.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has been receiving reports through public discourse and representations about non-compliant content circulating on X. These reports prompted the recent directive for immediate action against such content.
The ministry’s directive aims to ensure that social media platforms like X adhere strictly to laws concerning decency and obscenity. It underscores the importance of accountability in using AI services responsibly.
With inputs from PTI
