Malaysia restricts access to Grok AI as backlash over sexualized images widens

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia on Sunday temporarily blocked access to Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk-led xAI, joining a growing list of countries taking action after the platform faced a global backlash for allowing users to generate sexualized images.

On Thursday, xAI announced it would limit image generation and editing features to paying subscribers as part of efforts to address lapses that enabled users on X to produce sexualized content of others, often without consent.

Indonesia became the first country to temporarily block the bot on Saturday.

In a statement on Sunday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it would restrict access to Grok following repeated misuse of the tool “to generate obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive, and non-consensual manipulated images, including content involving women and minors.”

The MCMC said it had issued notices to X and xAI earlier this month, requesting the implementation of effective technical and moderation safeguards. However, the responses primarily relied on user-initiated reporting mechanisms and failed to address the risks posed by the design and operation of the AI tools.

“MCMC considers this insufficient to prevent harm or ensure legal compliance,” the statement said.

xAI responded to a Reuters request for comment with what appeared to be an automated reply: “Legacy Media Lies.” X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The MCMC said access to Grok would remain restricted until effective safeguards are in place but emphasized that it is open to engaging with the companies.

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, enforces strict laws regulating online content, including a ban on obscene and pornographic material. In recent years, authorities have increased scrutiny of internet companies amid concerns over harmful content, and the government is considering banning social media access for users under the age of 16.

-Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus/Reuters