The Indian government has launched a major crackdown on Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly Twitter, over serious concerns related to its artificial intelligence tool, Grok. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a formal notice on Friday, accusing the platform of significant failures in its legal duties.
Government Flags Grave Violations by X's AI
The core of the government's action revolves around the alleged misuse of X's AI chatbot, Grok. Authorities have flagged that the tool is being used to generate and spread sexually explicit and derogatory content. Of grave concern is the targeting of vulnerable groups, specifically women and children. The ministry has termed this a serious breach of individual dignity, privacy, and overall digital safety.
In its notice, MeitY pointed out serious lapses in the statutory due diligence that X is required to perform under India's Information Technology Act and the accompanying IT Rules. This failure, according to the government, has allowed unlawful content to proliferate on the platform.
72-Hour Ultimatum and Strict Directives
The government has not just raised concerns but has issued a set of strict, time-bound directives to X. The platform has been ordered to immediately remove all identified unlawful content circulating due to its Grok AI. Furthermore, X must take decisive action against the users responsible for generating or sharing such material.
A critical demand is the submission of a detailed Action Taken Report within 72 hours of receiving the notice. The platform has also been instructed to conduct an urgent, comprehensive review of Grok's technical architecture and governance framework to prevent such violations in the future.
Severe Consequences for Non-Compliance
The MeitY notice carries a stern warning for the social media giant. It has clarified that continued non-compliance will not be taken lightly. The ministry warned that X could lose its legal protection as an intermediary under the IT Act. This shield is crucial for platforms, as it limits their liability for user-generated content.
Beyond that, the government has threatened strict action under multiple Indian laws. This includes provisions under cyber laws, criminal statutes, and stringent child protection legislation. The move signals a hardening stance by Indian regulators against global tech platforms that fail to align with local laws and societal norms.
This remains a developing story, and more details are expected as X responds to the government's ultimatum and the 72-hour deadline progresses.
