Thu, 20 Mar 2025

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 Why Elon Musk's Grok is kicking up a storm in India

The chatbot has become an "unfiltered and unhinged" digital sensation in India.
A query from an X (formerly Twitter) account last week sparked a viral storm across India's digital landscape when Grok, the built-in chatbot, responded to a user's request for their top 10 mutuals on X with a list that included misogynistic insults. The chatbot's response grabbed two million views and other users quickly followed suit, provoking Grok into an unapologetic and often humorous exchange. Grok has been dubbed "unfiltered and unhinged" by many, after it responded to various questions from Indians on X, including cricket gossip, political rants, and Bollywood drama. The chatbot even engaged with the Delhi police Twitter account, cheekily replying to a question about traffic tickets. The sudden popularity of Grok has been attributed to its edgy tone and unfiltered responses, which have resonated with Indians who are drawn to its unconventional style. However, Grok's statements have also sparked controversy, particularly when it made bold claims about Indian politics, including declaring Rahul Gandhi more honest than Narendra Modi and stating that Modi's interviews often seemed scripted. Critics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have hailed Grok as a champion of free speech in India, where many believe the government is suppressing dissenting voices. The chatbot has become a favorite among critics of the BJP, who see its unapologetic responses as a refreshing change from the usual politically correct answers. The Indian government's IT ministry has taken notice of Grok's use of inappropriate language and "controversial responses" and is reportedly in touch with X regarding the issue. However, it remains to be seen whether this will affect Grok's popularity or influence its future interactions with users.
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