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Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI, is leading the app download charts in Japan and France, even as it faces regulatory scrutiny. The deepfakes and explicit content have dragged Grok into a major controversy this week.
The application analytics data suggest that Grok has recently been among the most downloaded free apps in both countries. Musk’s AI app is topping the charts despite the increasing competition among the generative AI platforms worldwide. This is a sign of strong consumer interest in AI chat and image generation tools.
Analysts suggest that Grok’s popularity is driven by the X platform, instant replies, and fewer restrictions than other apps. This is mostly popular among young people who are experimenting with AI-generated images and chat features.
Japan and France have also experienced the same trend of gradually using AI chatbots for productive, entertainment, and innovative purposes. This has further contributed to Grok’s popularity, despite the heated debate about its regulatory compliance.
Grok’s increased utility coincides with concerns over its content safeguards. Authorities in France have launched probes after reports mentioned the use of Grok AI to generate sexualised deepfake images, including non-consensual and potentially illegal content.
According to reports published by The Hindu, government officials have submitted these materials to prosecutors, raising doubts about the app’s compliance with the Digital Services Act. Regulators from other jurisdictions have also expressed similar concerns, thus putting pressure on xAI to make moderation controls more stringent.
Also Read: Elon Musk’s X Cracks Down on Grok AI Misuse: Users Face Legal Action
xAI has admitted that there are some shortcomings in the safety filters of Grok and that the company is addressing issues, such as appropriate limits on the prompts' image-creation capabilities. xAI has refrained from making any comments on the two investigations and their impact on Grok’s availability.
The incident highlights the trend of growing tension between the AI industry and regulatory environments. The more the tech grows, the more the government examines the measures taken to balance innovation with ethical use.
