X Faces Backlash Over Grok's Monetized Obscene Content as India Mulls Strict Action
Image Source: Internet
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has accused X of prioritizing profits over user safety by monetizing its AI tool Grok, which generates sexualized images. The platform has restricted the feature to paid users, sparking concerns that it enables the misuse of images of women and children. This move has been met with widespread criticism from governments and regulators worldwide. In response to the backlash, Indonesia temporarily blocked Grok, making it the first country to restrict access to the tool. The Indian government, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has also taken X to task over the issue. MeitY has sought X's response to a letter, asking for a comprehensive review of Grok and to treat it as a content creator rather than a platform tool. The ministry has expressed dissatisfaction with X's response and is seeking legal opinions. It has also reminded X that the safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act applies only if due diligence obligations are strictly followed. Chaturvedi has urged the Indian government to take strict action against X, calling the move to restrict Grok to paid users a 'shameful use of AI'.
