Elon Musk 's Department of Government Efficiency ( DOGE ) may be using a customised version of the Grok chatbot to analyse US government data without approval, a report claims. This alleged use of the chatbot developed by the tech billionaire’s AI startup, xAI , has reportedly raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the handling of sensitive information. Three individuals familiar with the matter said to the news agency Reuters that the DOGE team is expanding Grok 's use within the government. This alleged deployment could potentially violate conflict-of-interest laws and place sensitive data belonging to millions of Americans at risk, Reuters claimed, citing the sources.
Why DOGE using Grok chatbot is concerning some
According to a report by Reuters, one of the sources with direct knowledge of DOGE’s operations revealed that Musk ’s team employed a customised version of the Grok chatbot to help DOGE process data more efficiently.
“They ask questions, get it to prepare reports, give data analysis,” this person explained.
The other two insiders noted that DOGE also encouraged Department of Homeland Security officials to use the tool even though Grok had not been formally approved by the department.
Reuters was unable to verify the exact datasets input into the generative AI system or the specifics of the custom configuration. However, it's important to note that Grok was created by xAI, Musk’s tech venture, launched in 2023 on his X social media platform.
According to five experts in technology and government ethics, if the data included sensitive or confidential government information, this setup could breach security and privacy regulations.
They warned it may also allow the Tesla and SpaceX CEO to access proprietary federal contracting data from agencies with which he conducts private business, or serve as training material for Grok—a process where AI models ingest large datasets.
Additionally, the experts also warned that Musk may gain an unfair competitive edge over other AI providers by deploying Grok within the federal government.
However, a Homeland Security spokesperson dismissed the rumours about DOGE pressing DHS staff to use Grok.
“DOGE hasn’t pushed any employees to use any particular tools or products. DOGE is here to find and fight waste, fraud and abuse,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
Why DOGE using Grok chatbot is concerning some
According to a report by Reuters, one of the sources with direct knowledge of DOGE’s operations revealed that Musk ’s team employed a customised version of the Grok chatbot to help DOGE process data more efficiently.
“They ask questions, get it to prepare reports, give data analysis,” this person explained.
The other two insiders noted that DOGE also encouraged Department of Homeland Security officials to use the tool even though Grok had not been formally approved by the department.
Reuters was unable to verify the exact datasets input into the generative AI system or the specifics of the custom configuration. However, it's important to note that Grok was created by xAI, Musk’s tech venture, launched in 2023 on his X social media platform.
According to five experts in technology and government ethics, if the data included sensitive or confidential government information, this setup could breach security and privacy regulations.
They warned it may also allow the Tesla and SpaceX CEO to access proprietary federal contracting data from agencies with which he conducts private business, or serve as training material for Grok—a process where AI models ingest large datasets.
Additionally, the experts also warned that Musk may gain an unfair competitive edge over other AI providers by deploying Grok within the federal government.
However, a Homeland Security spokesperson dismissed the rumours about DOGE pressing DHS staff to use Grok.
“DOGE hasn’t pushed any employees to use any particular tools or products. DOGE is here to find and fight waste, fraud and abuse,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
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