Grok blocked in Türkiye for insulting Erdogan

Anti-Semitic slogans and praise of Adolf Hitler aren't the only negative consequences of Grok 's recent update . Access to the chatbot was blocked in Turkey by a judge's order after it published offensive responses to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the republic's founder and first president.

Ban and investigation into Grok

As is known, Grok is integrated into X. It can be used through the dedicated section accessible by clicking the link in the sidebar or it can be invoked with @grok . The latter interaction mode is the most popular among users who want to get details on specific topics. In replying to some users, the bot insulted Erdogan, Atatürk, and the Prophet.

The Chief Prosecutor's Office in Ankara has launched an investigation, while a judge has ordered Grok's ban and the removal of at least 50 offensive posts for public order reasons. Internet providers will then be required to block access to the chatbot. It is currently unknown whether X will comply with the order. Under Turkish law, such insults are punishable by up to four years in prison.

A legal representative of X in Turkey said :

Even though I have been practicing law and dealing with AI regulation for 16 years, and even though X is one of my clients as a freelance lawyer, I could never have foreseen that Grok would one day have to be defended as the subject of direct criminal prosecution.

Grok's responses also alarmed Poland. The Minister of Digital Affairs stated that X could be shut down if it violates the law, referring to the insults posted against some politicians, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Poland will file a complaint with the European Commission.

Elon Musk's company has announced that all inappropriate posts will be removed. The automated account has been temporarily deactivated , so users who mention @grok will not receive a response.