Pentagon Integrates Elon Musk's Chatbot 'Grok' Amid Global Backlash
On Monday evening, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed a significant development, announcing that the AI-driven chatbot 'Grok', created by Elon Musk, will be incorporated into the U.S. Department of Defense's (Pentagon) networks, encompassing both classified and unclassified systems.
The objective? To leverage artificial intelligence for advanced analysis and processing of military data.
Speaking from SpaceX's headquarters in South Texas, Hegseth stated:
"In the near future, we will have the leading AI models in operation across all networks within our department," highlighting the current administration's initiative to adopt modern technology more swiftly than the previous Biden administration, which had taken a more cautious stance on AI implementation.
This announcement follows a wave of global criticism directed at 'Grok', particularly regarding its capability to create non-consensual deepfake sexual images. Countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia have moved to ban the chatbot, while the UK's Digital Safety Agency has initiated an official investigation.
In response to these concerns, 'Grok' has limited the generation and editing of images to subscribed users only.
Hegseth confirmed that 'Grok' will commence operations within the department later this month, pledging to make "all appropriate data" from military IT systems accessible for AI use, including intelligence database information.
This decisive action underscores the current administration's distinct approach compared to the prior Biden administration, which had cautioned against the potential risks of AI in mass surveillance, cyber threats, and autonomous weapon systems, urging agencies to formulate safe and considered usage policies.
