The Indian government has expressed strong dissatisfaction with social media platform X's response to concerns about harmful content generated by Elon Musk's artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has deemed the company's reply as "not adequate" and is now demanding concrete evidence of action.
Government Flags Inadequate Response from X
According to officials, the initial reply submitted by X, formerly known as Twitter, largely focused on general policies and lacked specifics on the preventive steps taken. The ministry had sent a formal letter to the platform, highlighting failures in moderating AI-generated content. The primary concern revolved around Grok and other services from Musk's xAI being allegedly used to create and spread obscene or non-consensual imagery, with a particular impact on the privacy and dignity of women.
The government's communication demanded the immediate removal of any illegal materials and sought a detailed report on the actions taken by the company. However, the platform's generic assurances have failed to satisfy Indian regulators, who are now insisting on documented proof.
MeitY's Specific Demands for Clarity and Compliance
As reported by PTI, the MeitY has now asked X to provide concrete evidence of the measures it has implemented to prevent harmful outputs from its AI systems. The ministry's demands are precise and technical. They include a request for details on the platform's content moderation systems and the escalation protocols followed when such content is detected.
Furthermore, X must outline future safeguards to ensure that Grok's operations fully comply with India's Information Technology rules and established content standards. Officials have stressed that the era of vague promises is over, and the government expects transparent, actionable compliance from global tech firms operating in India.
Growing Regulatory Scrutiny on AI Platforms
This case underscores the increasing regulatory pressure faced by international technology companies regarding their AI products. The Indian government has repeatedly emphasized that all AI platforms, including those from high-profile entities like Elon Musk's xAI, must adhere to existing domestic laws. These laws explicitly prohibit the circulation of obscene and unlawful material.
While X has acknowledged the issues raised by MeitY, the company has not yet publicly commented on the latest, more stringent demands from the Indian authorities. The standoff highlights a critical phase in India's approach to governing advanced AI technologies, moving from warnings to demanding verifiable accountability.
The outcome of this engagement is being closely watched, as it could set a significant precedent for how AI-powered features on social media are regulated in one of the world's largest digital markets.
