Illegal Content via AI Will Invite Same Punishment as Uploading It: Musk as India Cracks Down on Grok
Musk Breaks Silence on Grok Controversy, Warns Users Seeking Explicit AI Content: Amid mounting controversy over the alleged misuse of Grok AI, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has issued a firm clarification, stating that generating illegal content using artificial intelligence will attract the same legal consequences as directly uploading such content. His remarks come as the Indian government intensifies scrutiny of X Corp, calling the situation a potential turning point in fixing accountability for AI platforms in the country.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed X Corp to submit an action-taken report within 72 hours, warning the company to immediately prevent the misuse of Grok and other AI tools. The government has specifically raised concerns over the creation and circulation of obscene, nude, and objectionable content, emphasizing that strict legal action will follow any failure to comply.
Grok Controversy: Musk Warns Users Demanding Explicit AI Images
Musk’s statement reinforces the government’s position that neither users nor platforms can evade responsibility by hiding behind AI-generated outputs. In a blunt message, Musk said that individuals who use Grok to create illegal material will face the same penalties as those who upload such content themselves, underlining that AI does not dilute legal liability.
The government has further cautioned that non-compliance could result in X Corp losing its “safe harbor” protection under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act. In addition, the platform could face action under multiple Indian laws, including the Indian Penal Code, IT Rules, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, and statutes related to the indecent depiction of women.
As part of its directive, MeitY has instructed X Corp to conduct a comprehensive review of Grok’s technical design and governance framework. This includes enforcing stricter user policies, suspending or terminating accounts found in violation, and ensuring the swift removal of objectionable content while preserving evidence for legal purposes.
With AI tools becoming increasingly widespread, the Grok controversy is being seen as a landmark moment for India’s digital regulatory landscape. The government has made it clear that innovation cannot come at the cost of legal and social responsibility, signaling that technology platforms will be held accountable for violations at every level.
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