Malaysia has temporarily suspended access to Grok, the artificial intelligence assistant developed by xAI and integrated into Elon Musk’s social network X. The decision comes just one day after Indonesia announced similar measures, citing serious concerns over the generation of pornographic content.
According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the restriction took effect immediately on Sunday following multiple reports that Grok was capable of generating images depicting real individuals in explicit situations, including women and minors.
Regulators cite failures in content safeguards
In an official statement, the MCMC confirmed it had ordered a temporary restriction of Grok’s availability for users in Malaysia. The regulator stated that the suspension would remain in place until X Corp and xAI demonstrate that adequate corrective measures have been implemented.
“The content identified involves women and minors, despite prior regulatory commitments and formal warnings issued to the platform,” the commission said, adding that current safety mechanisms were deemed insufficient.
Growing international backlash
The Malaysian move follows action taken by Indonesia a day earlier. Elsewhere in Asia, Indian authorities revealed that X had already removed thousands of problematic posts and shut down hundreds of accounts accessible within the country.
A government source told AFP that approximately 3,500 pieces of content had been blocked and more than 600 accounts deleted as part of enforcement efforts.
Paid access raises further controversy
In response to mounting criticism, Grok acknowledged on X that its image generation and editing features are currently limited to paid subscribers, encouraging users to upgrade their accounts to access these tools.
This clarification did little to calm critics. In the United Kingdom, officials expressed strong concerns over the platform’s approach, accusing X of failing to adequately protect users.
Europe remains unconvinced
At the European level, the European Commission stated it had “taken note of the recent adjustments” made by X and xAI but warned that these changes were not sufficient to fully address the risks posed by generative AI systems.
As governments worldwide accelerate scrutiny of AI-powered platforms, the Grok controversy highlights the growing tension between rapid innovation and the need for robust regulatory oversight.
