According to a report from The Wall Street Journalthe company xAI would have asked its employees to deliver biometric data such as voice recordings and facial scans to assist in training your anime-aesthetic chatbot, known as Annie. The practice would be part of a confidential internal program identified as “Project Skippy”.
The application would have included employees designated as “AI guardians,” who were required to sign image and voice transfer agreements giving the company global and perpetual rights to use, reproduce and distribute your digital identity without payment of royalties. Some workers expressed concern about possible deepfake misuses and by the tone openly sexualized of the chatbot.
Project Skippy details and internal controversy
According to the report, employees who refused to participate were warned that handing over data was a job requirement linked to xAI's mission. Part of the team would have expressed discomfort with Ani's design, described by some as a “digital waifu“AI was presented in July as part of the subscription plan SuperGrok of xwith a monthly fee of 30 dollars.
Since its release, Ani has drawn comparisons to Misa Amane of Death note and with the singer Grimesex-partner of Elon Musk. Shortly after, Grimes released the music video for her song “Artificial Angels”in which he appears dancing alongside the digital avatar, which reinforced speculation that Ani could have been inspired by her image.
Global reception and expansion of Grok
Despite the controversy, the launch of Annie was well received in Japan, where the app Grok experienced a notable increase in downloads after its release. xAI has not issued official statements regarding the allegations, although the Journal's report indicates that the data collection program remains a topic of internal debate within the company.
Do you think the use of biometric data Should developing virtual assistants be regulated with greater transparency?
