Centre sends notice to X over Grok AI: Key takeaways

In a notice addressed to billionaire Elon Musk-owned microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has accused the platform of misusing its Grok generative AI chatbot for tasks like creating obscene, nude and offensive content targeting women. Highlighting serious concerns that Grok and other services of xAI -- a Musk-founded company -- have been used to create and disseminate obscene or non-consensual images, particularly targeting the dignity and privacy of women.

Seeking a detailed report on the action taken by the company, authorities have ordered the immediate removal of illegal material hosted on the platform. The ministry has also ordered X to submit the report not later than 72 hours, warning of the removal of statutory immunity from legal liability.

Failure to comply with these directives “may result in strict legal consequences against your platform, its responsible officers and the users on the platform who violate the law, without any further notice”, stated the ministry's letter to X.

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What are the charges levelled against X?

According to the ministry's communication to X, the microblogging platform has failed to comply with due diligence requirements under the IT Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021 -- the country's main law governing electronic commerce, digital transactions and cyber crimes and subordinate regulations under the IT Act to specifically control social media, OTT platforms and digital news, respectively.

According to the MeitY, such content causes serious harm to the dignity, privacy and safety of women and children. It has warned that X could lose the safe harbour protection available under Section 79 of the IT Act, while directing the social network to immediately review Grok AI’s prompts, outputs and safety guardrails.

X has also been ordered to take down all unlawful content on its platform without delay, with strict action directed against users and accounts found violating the law.

The ministry has also asked X to ensure its Chief Compliance Officer's responsibility and accountability, with a warning that failure to comply could invite legal action under applicable laws such as the IT Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions on the subject:

What action has the central government taken against X?

The MeitY has issued a formal notice to X, alleging misuse of its Grok generative AI chatbot to create and circulate obscene, nude and offensive content. Such content, according to authorities, is particularly found to be targeting women.

What are the key allegations against X and Grok AI?

The ministry has alleged that Grok AI and other services of xAI generated and distributed obscene and non-consensual images using AI.

This has caused serious harm to the dignity, privacy and safety of women and children, according to authorities.

Which laws has X allegedly violated?

According to the MeitY, X has failed to comply with due diligence requirements under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021.

Has MeitY sought a response from X?

Yes.

What kind of directions has MeitY issued to X?

The ministry has ordered X to immediately remove all illegal content from its platform, review Grok AI’s prompts, outputs and safety guardrails.

It has also demanded strict action against users and accounts violating the law.