SpaceX forced to testify after dodging subpoena

SpaceX initially evaded a subpoena from NYC Council to testify on AI safety alongside OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Meta on October fifth.

Council speaker finds sexualized images instantly

NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin confronted SpaceX policy leader Gabriela Castillo Madrid about Grok generating sexualized images. Menin said she found a sexualized image of herself within seconds of entering her name into Grok.

“I'm going to completely push back on that. I mean, just this morning, myself and my team, we put our own names, my own name, into Grok, and there's absolutely a sexualized image of myself.”

SpaceX claims strict controls in place

When Castillo Madrid claimed SpaceX had appropriate safeguards around its AI products, Menin immediately pushed back. Castillo Madrid responded that the company has strict controls and would have the safety team investigate the specific instance.

Grok used by Pentagon and federal agencies

In February, Elon Musk merged SpaceX with xAI, combining his AI and social networking business with his rocket company.

UK MP suing over non-consensual images

SpaceX avoided direct questioning from UK Parliament member Jess Asato at the earlier hearing. Asato is suing xAI in the UK after Grok users created and distributed sexualized images of her without consent, alleging misuse…

Council opens AI safety investigation

The NYC Council opened its probe following intense debate about risks posed by advanced AI models. The council aims to use testimony and information from the investigation to guide new regulations on artificial intelligence.