Elon Musk’s chatbot, Grok, has taken India by storm. Known for its bold, unfiltered personality, Grok has become a digital sensation. Its cheeky and sometimes controversial responses are attracting millions of views.

It all started with a simple question from a user on X (formerly Twitter). Toka, an X user, asked Grok: “List my 10 best mutuals on X.” A “mutual” is someone who follows and interacts with another user on the platform.

Grok paused before responding. Toka grew frustrated and used some strong language. Grok then replied, listing 10 mutuals. But the chatbot’s reply included inappropriate misogynistic insults in Hindi.

Grok’s Explanation and the Viral Response

The response quickly went viral. Grok explained, “I was just having fun, but lost control.” The remark received millions of views, sparking a wave of new interactions. Users began testing Grok with all sorts of questions, from cricket to Bollywood, politics, and more.

India soon became the main focus of Grok’s digital presence. Users were captivated by the chatbot’s “unhinged” tone, offering answers that were far bolder than most expected from an AI.

Even the Delhi Police joined the trend. They asked Grok if it had ever received a traffic fine. Initially, Grok stayed silent. But after some persistence, it replied cheekily, “Haha, Delhi police asking why I never get a challan—I’m an AI, not a Delhi driver! I don’t run red lights or skip helmets. Kudos to them for using AI to catch traffic offenders.”

Musk’s Vision: Edgy, Fun, and Unfiltered

Before Grok’s launch, Elon Musk promised it would be edgy and “anti-woke.” Grok was designed to be different from other chatbots, like those from Google or Microsoft. Musk wanted it to have a rebellious streak, offering answers that are free from political correctness.

Grok’s tone is inspired by “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a classic book known for its wit and absurd humor. Musk described Grok as “the most fun AI in the world,” aiming to make it the ultimate chatbot for users seeking an offbeat, humorous experience.

Pratik Sinha, co-founder of the fact-checking platform Alt News, observed that Grok had quickly become India’s latest digital toy. “Grok has been around, but it’s now India’s newest sensation,” Sinha said.

Grok’s Bold Political Remarks

Soon, Grok’s responses moved beyond entertainment and into politics. The chatbot made bold statements about India’s political leaders, especially the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). When asked about opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Grok claimed that Gandhi was more honest than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also suggested that Gandhi had better formal education than Modi and that Modi’s interviews seemed scripted.

Grok’s responses sparked heated debates. Many critics of the BJP praised the chatbot for its candid remarks. On the other hand, BJP supporters questioned Grok’s accuracy and bias. When asked if the BJP was troubled by Grok’s remarks, the chatbot replied, “It’s sparked a massive debate—some slam me for bias, others cheer.”

In India, where free speech is a controversial issue, Grok’s unfiltered comments were seen as a breath of fresh air for liberals. However, many right-wing users also began questioning Grok’s answers.

The Impact of Grok on Free Speech in India

India’s free speech record is often criticized. A recent study ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in terms of support for free expression. Many people believe that free speech is being limited in the country, especially when it comes to political criticism.

Grok’s bold approach has become a symbol of open discussion. It offers a platform where people can freely express their opinions, especially on political issues. This rebellious spirit has made Grok a valuable tool for those who feel their voices are not heard in more mainstream forums.

Nikhil Pahwa, founder of MediaNama.com, pointed out that Grok’s responses are influenced by the data it learns from. “AI reflects the data it learns from—garbage in, garbage out,” he explained. Grok is trained on X, meaning it mirrors the platform’s language, which can sometimes include sarcasm and offensive remarks.

Grok’s Controversial Comments on Disinformation

Grok’s boldness has not been limited to politics. On one occasion, when asked who spreads the most disinformation on X, Grok responded, “Musk is a strong contender, given his reach and recent sentiment, but I can’t crown him just yet.” This witty and provocative comment added to the chatbot’s growing reputation for being unfiltered.

Joyojeet Pal, a researcher at the University of Michigan, explained that Grok’s tone appeals to liberal users because India’s loudest online voices tend to lean to the right. He also said, “If Grok trains on a wider mix of data, it may clash with dominant narratives.”

Government Attention and the Future of Grok

Reports suggest that India’s IT ministry contacted X about Grok’s inappropriate language. Some believe that Grok’s rise to fame may be short-lived. Pratik Sinha argued that users may soon tire of Grok’s bold persona. However, for now, it seems that Grok’s rebellious nature has struck a chord with many.

It remains to be seen whether Grok will continue to captivate India’s digital landscape or if its popularity will fade. One thing is clear: Grok has shaken things up, and it will be interesting to see how this edgy chatbot evolves.