Elon Musk’s Grok AI Soon Arrives on Telegram
Telegram is stepping into the AI space with a major upgrade. In a newly announced partnership with Elon Musk’s xAI, the popular messaging app will soon integrate Grok, an artificial intelligence tool designed for smarter conversations. According to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the rollout begins this summer, giving users access to advanced features such as real-time fact-checking, document analysis, and intelligent text editing.
In a teaser video, Grok is seen summarizing long chats, creating stickers and avatars, and even moderating group discussions. As Telegram continues to expand its platform, this collaboration marks a significant shift toward more interactive and efficient communication. Although many messaging apps are adopting AI tools, Telegram’s direct integration with Grok positions it to stand out in both function and form.
The deal, valued at $300 million in cash and equity, also includes a revenue-sharing agreement. Telegram will receive 50% of all subscription revenue generated by Grok through the app. Clearly, this isn’t just a technical upgrade it’s a strategic business move aimed at long-term growth.
Balancing Innovation With Privacy
However, as exciting as these features sound, they raise important questions about privacy. Telegram has long promoted its strict commitment to user data protection. With the new Grok integration, some information will be shared with xAI but only when users interact directly with the AI.
Durov emphasized that “privacy remains paramount.” He assured users that Grok can only access data they explicitly share, such as text sent in direct messages. Yet, the fine print leaves some uncertainty. Since Grok will also moderate group chats and channels, it’s unclear whether broader interaction data might be accessible to xAI.
Despite these concerns, Telegram insists that no foundational features will be locked behind a paywall. The company has acknowledged evolving from a basic messaging app to a rich ecosystem with mini apps, channels, and now AI tools. While some features will be part of a paid subscription, Telegram states that it will continue offering free tools alongside them.
The Future of AI Inside Messaging Apps
The integration of Grok is more than just an update; it represents a leap toward the future of intelligent messaging. Although privacy remains a central concern, many users may welcome the convenience of having Grok assist with editing, moderation, and content generation.
As AI becomes an integral part of our digital communication, Telegram’s move to adopt Grok signals a new era of smarter, more responsive chat experiences. Whether this innovation will win over privacy-conscious users remains to be seen but the stage is clearly set for a more AI-driven messaging landscape.
