Will X’s new AI chatbot risk inheriting its misinformation traits?

Will X’s new AI chatbot risk inheriting its misinformation traits?

A RMIT cyber expert comments on Elon Musk’s newly unveiled AI chatbot, Grok, and whether it is set to inherit X’s (previously Twitter) misinformation and controversies.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence (AI), X, Twitter, chatbot, misinformation 

Dr Nataliya Ilyushina, Research Fellow 

“On November 4, Elon Musk introduced his new AI chatbot 'Grok' - a witty and rebellious alternative to ChatGPT modelled after The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. 

“Grok has the potential to emerge as a free-speech alternative to ChatGPT.  

“Large language models (LLMs) such as Grok often reflect biases as they are trained by data generated by humans.  

“A distinctive feature of Grok is its real-time access to posts on X.  

“There has been considerable debate surrounding the platform's moderation policies and controversies regarding its status as either a platform for free speech or hate speech.  

“It is possible that Grok, which will train itself using X's posts, will inherit these issues and be subject to the same attacks concerning the limits of free speech.  

“It could also raise concerns that those who control the moderation on X will influence the direction of the ‘bias’ in this new AI language model.  

“With X’s challenges related to misinformation and the ongoing development of the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill in Australia, the platform could potentially face censorship in Australia.  

“Nonetheless, Elon has cautioned that one should not use it if they are intolerant of the brand of humour it may present.”  

Read Nataliya's article on Grok on the Conversation: Grok is Elon Musk’s new sassy, foul-mouthed AI. But who exactly is it made for | The Conversation

Dr Nataliya Ilyushina’s work investigates decentralised autonomous organisations and automated decision-making, and the impact they have on labour markets, skills and long-term staff wellbeing.

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General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

16 November 2023

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16 November 2023

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