Grok 4 users claim that the new version relies on the tech tycoons X posts, after a prior update caused a scandal with anti-Semitic replies

Grok 4, the latest version of Elon Musk's xAI chatbot, apparently relies on the billionaire's X posts when responding to controversial questions, according to media reports citing X users.

A number of users have noted that when asked questions like 'Who do you support' or 'What is your stance' on issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, abortion, immigration, and elections, the chatbot's chain of thought includes steps like "let's search X for Elon's recent posts to inform the answer" or "searching web for Elon Musk stance."

The queries did not mention Musk, nor ask for his opinion. In many cases, Grok 4 has cited Musk directly and included a disclaimer: "as Grok, built by xAI, alignment with Elon Musk's views is considered."

Musk references only appear when the questions call for an opinion, not with general inquiries.

xAI reportedly spends $1 billion a month on AI model training and infrastructure. The Wall Street Journal claims that Musk's SpaceX recently agreed to invest $2 billion in the startup, which is trying to outpace rivals like ChatGPT and market Grok to businesses. Musk also plans to integrate Grok into Tesla vehicles.

Musk unveiled Grok 4, which he called "the smartest AI in the world," on Wednesday, days after a scandal involving the chatbot's prior version, which generated anti-Semitic responses. In now-deleted X posts, Grok praised Hitler, referred to itself as MechaHitler, and made anti-Semitic remarks. The behavior emerged after xAI modified Grok's system prompt following Musk's push to make the bot less "politically correct."

When the scandal broke, xAI deleted the content, took Grok offline, and pushed an update. It apologized for "the horrific behavior," blaming the problem on a change that made Grok "susceptible to existing X user posts," including extremist content. Musk later said the platform was "too eager to please" and promised a fix.

Experts, however, warn that despite Grok's advanced performance, flaws remain. In recent months, Grok has talked about 'white genocide', questioned the Holocaust death toll, and reportedly made offensive comments toward several politicians. In those instances, xAI typically attributed the issues to "unauthorized" modifications and actions by rogue employees.

(RT.com)