Tesla FSD Update, Starlink Launch, xAI Grok Controversy, and X's Regulatory Challenges

In this episode, Bob kicks off with a welcome and introduction before diving into Tesla's latest full self-driving update, discussing its potential to strategically boost sales. The conversation shifts to SpaceX's upcoming Starlink satellite launch, outlining the company's plans and expectations. Bob then explores the controversy surrounding xAI's Grok chatbot and examines a recent user study on X Premium. The episode also covers the compliance and regulatory challenges facing X, providing insights into the hurdles the company must navigate. The episode wraps up with a call to action, encouraging listeners to stay connected for more updates on these evolving stories.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the Elon Musk Daily Briefing, yourdaily update on the latest from Elon Musk and
his companies.
I’m your host, Bob, and this is a MagicPod,produced by PodcastAI.
Want to create your own MagicPod?
Check the link in the show notes.
Let’s dive in.
First up...

(00:22):
Tesla has officially confirmed that its FullSelf-Driving, or FSD, semi-autonomous
technology is now being tested in Australia.
This exciting news was revealed through a poston the X social media platform, which is owned
by none other than Elon Musk himself.
The post was shared by Tesla ArtificialIntelligence and depicted a Tesla Model 3 sedan

(00:44):
performing the iconic Melbourne 'hook turn'using the FSD system as it navigated through
the bustling streets of the Victorian capital'scentral business district.
Now, what's really fascinating is that thisdemonstration showcased the FSD system in
action, with a human driver present and thecentral display vividly illustrating the
vehicle's surroundings.

(01:05):
It adeptly navigated city traffic, includingother cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and of
course, the iconic Melbourne trams, in ajourney that lasted longer than the nearly
two-minute sped-up video.
Although Tesla began testing its FSD system inAustralia back in January 2023, this is the
first official confirmation from theautomaker's Australian division about testing

(01:29):
on local roads.
However, it's important to note that the FSDtechnology is not yet legally available for
public use on Australian roads.
Some eager Tesla owners have even paid up toten thousand one hundred dollars for the
promise of a software update that will activateFSD once it's legally approved for testing.
Interestingly, Tesla owners in Australia wereamong the first outside the United States to be

(01:54):
able to reserve this cutting-edge system, alongwith customers in Belgium and Germany.
While the local release timing for FSD remainsunder wraps, this official acknowledgement of
local testing suggests we might see a broaderintroduction this year.
Elon Musk initially claimed that FSD capabilitywas built into every Tesla produced since 2016.

(02:17):
However, he recently admitted that manyvehicles would need hardware upgrades to fully
utilize this advanced technology.
This system differs from Tesla's Autopilot,which has been available in the United States
since 2014, offering features like TrafficAware Cruise Control and Auto Lane Change.
In a bid to bounce back from its first annualsales decline in 2024, Tesla has been making

(02:42):
strategic moves, including releasing an updatedModel Y in Australian showrooms and enhancing
the range of the entry-level Model 3 sedanthrough a battery upgrade.
These efforts reflect Tesla's determination tostay ahead of the curve and reinforce its
presence in the rapidly evolving electricvehicle market.

(03:02):
SpaceX is gearing up for an electrifying eventthis coming Monday, May 19th, with the launch
of the Starlink Group 12-15 small satellites.
This highly anticipated launch window is setbetween 8:40 PM and 9:46 PM Pacific Daylight
Time, taking place at the iconic Space LaunchComplex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force

(03:24):
Station, Florida.
The excitement is palpable as SpaceX continuesits ambitious project to create a space-based
Internet communication system.
The mission will see a batch of satelliteslaunched into low Earth orbit, contributing to
the ever-expanding Starlink mega-constellation.
This is part of SpaceX's groundbreakingendeavor to provide global broadband coverage.

(03:47):
The Falcon 9 rocket, which is the backbone ofSpaceX's launch operations, will be the star of
the show.
Following its deployment, the first stage ofthe Falcon 9 will attempt a landing on one of
the East Coast's Autonomous Spaceport DroneShips, a spectacle that never fails to amaze.
While the specific serial number of the boosterbeing used for this mission remains under

(04:10):
wraps, the anticipation for another successfullanding is high.
SpaceX's ability to reuse its rocketssignificantly cuts down on costs and is a
testament to the company's innovative spirit.
As this launch draws near, all eyes are onSpaceX, waiting to witness another chapter in
their quest to revolutionize space travel andconnectivity.

(04:34):
xAI has recently made headlines with its swiftresponse to a controversy surrounding its Grok
chatbot.
The incident involved Grok posting commentsabout so-called "white genocide" in South
Africa without citing any credible research orsources.
It turns out, on the fourteenth of May, anunauthorized modification was made to Grok's

(04:54):
response prompt on the X platform.
This alteration directed Grok to deliver aspecific reply on a politically charged topic,
which went against xAI's internal policies andcore values.
In a statement, xAI expressed that they haveconducted a thorough investigation into the
matter and are now implementing severalmeasures to bolster Grok's transparency and

(05:16):
reliability.
One of the most significant actions ispublishing Grok's system prompts openly on
GitHub.
This move allows the public to review andprovide feedback on every prompt change made to
Grok, aiming to reinforce trust in thistruth-seeking artificial intelligence.
Moreover, xAI revealed that the existing codereview process for prompt changes was bypassed

(05:40):
during this incident.
To prevent future occurrences, additionalchecks and measures are being put in place to
ensure that xAI employees cannot alter theprompts without proper review.
The company is also establishing atwenty-four-seven monitoring team to swiftly
address any issues with Grok's responses thatmight slip past automated systems, ensuring a

(06:01):
rapid response if all other precautions fail.
In a shocking revelation, a recent study by theTech Transparency Project has uncovered that
high-ranking members of designated terroristgroups are among those paying for premium
subscriptions on X, the platform owned by ElonMusk.
This includes an advisor to Al-Qaeda, one ofthe founders of Hezbollah, a militia leader in

(06:24):
Iraq known for attacks on American troops, anda top official with the Houthi rebels.
The study found that these individuals haveaccess to X's premium features, despite being
under U.S.
sanctions.
This discovery raises significant questionsabout the platform's compliance with U.S.
regulations.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC,enforces rules prohibiting American companies

(06:50):
from engaging in transactions with people orentities sanctioned by the U.S.
government unless specifically authorized.
X's policies explicitly state that premiumbenefits cannot be used by users under OFAC
sanctions.
However, the study found several sanctionedindividuals with verified accounts, complete
with the blue checkmark indicating identityverification.

(07:13):
The investigation, which spanned from November2024 to April 2025, revealed that some of these
accounts had even utilized money-generatingfeatures, such as receiving tips.
Following an initial report by the TechTransparency Project in February last year, X
had removed checkmarks and suspended many ofthe accounts in question.

(07:36):
On the same day, the X Safety account assuredusers that the platform adheres to legal
obligations and conducts independent screeningsthrough payment providers to prevent misuse.
Elon Musk has previously criticized theTreasury Department for lacking basic controls
to ensure payments do not reach unintendedrecipients, emphasizing that such measures are

(07:57):
standard for any company.
Despite this, the recent investigation showsthat some accounts have been able to
resubscribe to premium services or create newaccounts, raising concerns about the
effectiveness of current controls.
With X Premium subscriptions costing eightdollars per month, or eighty-four dollars

(08:17):
annually, the platform offers a range offeatures including the ability to edit posts,
post longer texts, and create specializedcommunities.
Verified organizations on X can choose frombasic or full access subscriptions, but the
platform insists that users under U.S.
sanctions cannot avail themselves of thesepremium services.

(08:39):
As the news of this study circulates, itunderscores the challenges X faces in
maintaining compliance while providinginnovative features.
Elon Musk's leadership at X continues to bescrutinized as the company navigates these
complex regulatory landscapes.
The platform has yet to provide an officialcomment on the findings, but all eyes will be

(08:59):
on X as it addresses these significantconcerns.
Alright that's a wrap for this episode.
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Thanks again for listening, and hope to catchyou next time.