Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok AI, has taken another step forward by integrating with Telegram. After making waves on X (formerly known as Twitter) with its bold and unfiltered responses, xAI has now expanded its AI assistant to one of the world's most popular messaging platforms. Until now, Grok AI was accessible only via X and its standalone app. With this new integration, Telegram users can now interact with the chatbot, making AI-driven conversations more accessible.
The decision to integrate Grok AI into Telegram could be part of a broader strategy to increase its user base and position itself as a competitive alternative in the AI chatbot space. Telegram, which has been struggling with legal challenges and declining user interest, is now leveraging Grok AI to regain traction. Unlike its competitors, such as WhatsApp, which has incorporated MetaAI, Telegram had previously lacked AI-powered features. The addition of Grok AI could help the platform maintain relevance and attract more users.
Since August 2024, Telegram has faced legal troubles, including the arrest of its CEO, Pavel Durov. Authorities have accused the messaging app of being used for illicit activities, which has led to increased scrutiny. With mounting pressure and a lack of innovative features, Telegram has seen a decline in engagement. By integrating Grok AI, Telegram is attempting to revive user interest and make headlines once again.
As of now, Grok AI is only available to Telegram Premium and X Premium users. Unlike WhatsApp’s MetaAI, which is prominently featured within the app, Grok AI needs to be manually searched by users on Telegram under the name “GrokAI.” There is no official confirmation on whether the chatbot will be accessible to free-tier users in the future. However, its current exclusivity to premium subscribers could be a move to drive more users towards Telegram’s paid services.
Telegram has confirmed that it has integrated Grok 3, the latest AI model from xAI, into its platform. The Grok 3 model was launched with claims of being ten times more capable than its predecessors. According to xAI, the upgraded model can handle complex reasoning, perform deep research, and manage creative tasks more efficiently.
Unlike mainstream AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, Grok AI takes a more open-ended approach. It engages in uncensored discussions, making it stand out in the competitive AI chatbot market. While this approach has won over some users, it has also led to concerns about potential misinformation and inappropriate content.
Grok AI has drawn attention for its unconventional and bold responses. It has been noted for using Hindi slang and addressing sensitive political, social, and historical topics without filters. This has led to scrutiny from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Government officials have expressed concerns over Grok’s unmoderated nature and have sought clarification from X regarding its responses. However, as of now, no formal notice has been issued against Grok AI or X.
Despite the controversies, Grok AI's integration into Telegram could be a game-changer for both platforms. With Telegram looking to introduce innovative features and Grok AI aiming for wider adoption, this collaboration has the potential to shape AI-driven communication in new ways. However, it remains to be seen whether Grok AI will expand beyond premium users or if Telegram will impose additional restrictions due to regulatory concerns.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s Grok AI is continuing its expansion by launching on Telegram, providing users with an alternative to mainstream AI chatbots. While its open-ended, unfiltered approach makes it unique, it also brings regulatory challenges. As the AI chatbot gains traction on Telegram, its impact on the messaging platform’s growth and user engagement will become clearer in the coming months.