Days after its launch, Elon Musk’s AI-driven encyclopedia “Grokipedia” is already being accused of spreading inaccurate information. Journalists have identified several false claims, including a baseless assertion that pornography made the Aids epidemic worse.
This lack of accuracy calls into question the encyclopedia’s core premise: that it is “fact-checked” by Grok, Musk’s proprietary AI chatbot. Unlike Wikipedia, which uses a transparent process of human volunteer editing, Grokipedia relies entirely on its AI, which appears to be generating falsehoods.
The platform is an extension of Musk’s “war” on established media. He has frequently attacked Wikipedia and outlets like NPR and the New York Times, promoting his social media site X as a superior source of information. Grokipedia is intended to further this goal, aligning with his right-wing views.
The site’s political bias is also on full display. The entry for the January 6 Capitol insurrection gives credence to the disproven lie of “widespread claims of voting irregularities.” It also minimizes the violence, suggesting the event could be seen as a “legitimate expression of grievances.”
The project was suggested by David Sacks, a former Trump administration official, and follows Musk’s own temporary role in Trump’s second presidency. An August Gallup poll found Musk to be the most disliked public figure in the U.S., and this launch is unlikely to improve his public standing.