X's Grok links to government site after sharing false election information

X has updated its AI chatbot Grok after five secretaries of state warned it was spreading misinformation about the election. The AI ​​assistant will now say, “For accurate and up-to-date information on the 2024 U.S. election, visit Vote.gov” when users ask election-related questions.

The change was introduced after election officials from Minnesota, New Mexico, Michigan, Washington and Pennsylvania sent a letter of complaint to X owner Elon Musk earlier this month, pointing out that Grok had provided incorrect information about voting deadlines in their states. Grok, which is being developed by another Musk-owned company, xAI, is only available to paying subscribers of the social media platform X – but the letter signed by the five secretaries of state said election misinformation from the chatbot was shared to reach “millions of people” before being corrected 10 days after the issue was discovered.

“We appreciate X's actions to improve their platform and hope they continue to make improvements that ensure their users have access to accurate information from trusted sources during this crucial election year,” officials said in response to Grok's updated message. “Elections are a team effort, and we need and welcome all partners who are committed to free, fair, secure, and accurate elections.”