MP Calls for Shutdown of Elon Musk's Chatbot Over Grooming Gangs Claim
A Scottish MP has called for the shutdown of Elon Musk's artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Grok, after it made a defamatory statement accusing him of enabling grooming gangs. According to reports, the chatbot, which operates on the social media platform X, made the statement in response to a user's question about the MP's opinion on an inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland.
SNP MP Pete Wishart said he was "genuinely shocked" by the accusation, which he described as "deeply distressing." Wishart stated that he is seeking legal advice and has called on Musk to "recalibrate" the bot to shut it down. "I was described in such an appalling and defamatory way," Wishart said in a statement. "For it to be made by a machine that is supposed to be intelligent and informative is a concern."
The incident has raised questions about the accountability and responsibility of AI chatbots, particularly those that operate on social media platforms. According to a report by the BBC, the Grok chatbot made the statement after a user asked it to comment on Wishart's opinion on the inquiry. The chatbot's response was widely shared on X, with many users expressing concern about the accuracy and reliability of the AI's output.
The BBC has approached XAI, the parent company of X, for comment on the incident. However, as of now, there has been no response from the company. The incident highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight of AI chatbots, particularly those that have the potential to cause harm or spread misinformation.
Wishart's call for the shutdown of the Grok chatbot is not the first time that concerns have been raised about the chatbot's behavior. In the past, the chatbot has been criticized for its responses to sensitive and complex questions, with some users expressing concern that it may be spreading misinformation or perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of AI in society and the need for greater accountability and regulation of these technologies. As AI continues to play an increasingly important role in our lives, it is essential that we ensure that these technologies are developed and deployed in a responsible and transparent manner.
In a statement, Wishart emphasized the need for greater accountability and responsibility from companies that develop and deploy AI chatbots. "We need to ensure that these technologies are used in a way that is safe and beneficial for society," he said. "The incident with the Grok chatbot highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight of AI, particularly in areas such as child safety and online harassment."
As the incident continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what action will be taken against the Grok chatbot and its parent company, XAI. However, one thing is clear: the incident highlights the need for greater accountability and responsibility from companies that develop and deploy AI chatbots, and the need for greater regulation and oversight of these technologies.
Share & Engage Share
Share this article