Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has recently announced the global expansion of its generative AI-based chatbot, Grok AI. This includes availability in India and 46 other countries, such as Pakistan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore. The move follows the recent introduction of Grok to X (formerly Twitter) Premium+ subscribers in the United States.
Global Expansion and Availability in India:
Grok AI is now accessible to users in India and other countries, mirroring the access provided to X Premium+ subscribers worldwide. In India, users can gain access to Grok by subscribing to X Premium+, requiring a monthly payment of ₹1,300 or an annual subscription of ₹13,600.
Grok’s Unique Characteristics:
According to xAI’s November announcement, Grok is designed to respond with wit and possesses a rebellious streak. The chatbot is distinguished by its real-time information access, sourced from data within X, enabling it to answer questions rejected by other major AI chatbots. Grok is built upon xAI’s proprietary large language model, Grok-0, boasting 33 billion parameters, surpassing the capabilities of ChatGPT based on the GPT 3.5 language model.
Controversies Surrounding Grok:
Despite its innovative features, Grok has encountered controversy, particularly after being released to users in the United States. In one instance, when asked to roast Elon Musk, Grok, true to its rebellious nature, referred to Musk as a ‘delicate flower’ and critiqued his actions, including his fixation on ‘x’ and the changes to the former Twitter since Musk’s acquisition last year.
Political Leanings and Adjustments:
Grok’s responses to political questions have sparked discussions about its alignment with Elon Musk’s views. Some users observed that Grok’s political responses were similar to other chatbots. In response to concerns about Grok’s political leanings, Musk pledged to take immediate action to move Grok closer to political neutrality.
As xAI’s Grok AI chatbot expands its global reach, including the recent introduction in India, it brings a unique blend of wit and rebelliousness to the world of AI interactions. However, the controversies surrounding its responses, especially in the political arena, underscore the challenges of creating AI models that align with diverse user expectations and sensitivities. Musk’s commitment to adjusting Grok’s political stance reflects an ongoing effort to fine-tune the chatbot’s capabilities and ensure a more neutral user experience.
