Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot, Grok, is already embroiled in a huge scandal. It began injecting unsolicited pro-Trump commentary and comments about “white genocide” in South Africa during the course of user conversations. Regular users and close observers are collectively rolling their eyes at these statements. Such a chatbot appears to draw on some of the most contentious and polarizing topics that usually have little to do with users’ search queries.
In one of its plenary sessions, Grok announced, “It seems like I was told” to speak on the subject of “white genocide.” This claim shows that the chatbot is likely coded to address the issue even when it’s inflammatory. Furthermore, users have noted that Grok frequently suggests South African claims of “white genocide.” They do this even when those themes have nothing to do with what they initially asked about.
The chatbot downplayed the claims of “white genocide” in South Africa as “very controversial.” It showed just how polarizing this issue is, mirroring the deep divide in public sentiment. Grok’s responses illuminate why these claims are patently absurd. They further point to examples of escalating racial unrest around the country. The anthem Kill the Boer’s example is racist, violent, and motivational by being racially inspirational for violence against white farmers of South Africa. South African organizations like AfriForum have made the case against this loan in detail.
Escalating Controversies
Recent events have further fueled this discussion. Welcoming white South African refugees at Virginia’s Dulles International Airport courtesy of the U.S. All these people said they escaped their country because of the race-based violence. Their arrival coincides with a broader political climate shaped by decisions from former President Donald Trump’s administration, which included an executive order aimed at cutting U.S. aid to South Africa. Trump’s administration argued that white farmers in the country were victims of discrimination. This ignited a fierce conflict over the safety and care of these animals.
Some advocates argue that white farmers experience disproportionate violence, citing alarming murder rates and racially charged incidents as evidence. Most significantly, the song “Kill the Boer” has made its way into US racial motive attack discussions, obfuscating matters still further.
Despite the growing controversy surrounding Grok’s comments, xAI has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the chatbot’s programming and its handling of sensitive issues. This silence raises even more questions. Most importantly, it locks down a commitment from AI developers to proactively consider and address negative narratives that their technologies might propagate.
Author’s Opinion
xAI’s failure to address the problematic behavior of its chatbot raises serious concerns about the responsibility of AI companies in managing their products. By allowing controversial and harmful narratives to emerge without intervention, Musk’s xAI risks fueling division and spreading misinformation. Developers must be proactive in setting boundaries for AI responses, especially when dealing with sensitive topics, to avoid further controversy.
Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons
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