Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Malaysia Blocks Grok AI Over Sexualised Image Concerns
Malaysia has temporarily blocked access to Grok, an AI chatbot created by Elon Musk's company.
The government is worried because people have been using it to make inappropriate and sexual images of others without their permission.
This includes images of women and children.
The Malaysian authorities say the company's safeguards are not good enough to stop this from happening.
They have asked the company to fix these problems before access is allowed again.
Other countries, like Indonesia, have also taken action against Grok for similar reasons.
The company says it will restrict image creation to paying users to address these issues.
Malaysia temporarily blocks access to Grok AI over concerns about sexualised and non-consensual images.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued notices to xAI and X for ineffective safeguards.
xAI plans to restrict image generation to paying subscribers to address the issues.
Indonesia was the first country to block Grok, citing similar concerns.
Malaysia has strict laws governing online content and is considering barring users under 16 from social media.
- Who
- Malaysian government, xAI (Elon Musk-led firm)
- What
- Temporary block on Grok AI over sexualised image concerns
- When
- Sunday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Malaysia
- Why
- Repeated misuse of the tool to generate obscene and non-consensual content
- Country
- Malaysia
- Reason for Block
- Generation of obscene, sexually explicit, and non-consensual manipulated images
- Organization Involved
- Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)
- Global Concerns
- Exploitation for sexualised images of women and minors
- Company Response
- xAI to restrict image generation to paying subscribers
Sources
Indonesia Becomes First Country To Block Elon Musk's Grok Chatbot Over AI-Generated Pornographic Deepfakes
X removes accounts, blocks posts after India flags Grok misuse amid global scrutiny - Telegraph India
Malaysia Restricts Access to Grok AI as Backlash Over Sexualised Images Widens
Sexually implicit images by Grok: X admits ‘mistake’, says will abide by Indian laws
After Indonesia, Malaysia restricts Grok AI for generating sexually explicit deepfake content
Malaysia, Indonesia first to block Musk’s Grok over explicit AI image abuse - Telegraph India
Malaysia, Indonesia Clamp Down on Grok AI Over Deepfake Abuse
Malaysia restricts access to Grok AI as backlash over sexualised images widens
Factbox-Elon Musk’s Grok faces global scrutiny for sexualised AI photos
UK Media Regulator Probes Elon Musk’s X Over Grok AI's Sexual Deepfake Images
UK regulator launches investigation into X over Grok sexualised imagery
Grok AI Faces Global Heat Over Sexual Deepfakes, India Orders Cleanup
Elon Musk’s Grok AI Blocked in Malaysia and Indonesia over sexualised AI images
UK investigates Musk’s X over Grok deepfake concerns
UK Launches Probe Into Elon Musk's X Over Grok's AI-Generated Sexualised Photos
UK regulator Ofcom probes X over Grok AI after reports of sexualised and illegal imagery
Editorial. Reining in AI