PETALING JAYA: The Grok Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot has been temporarily blocked in Malaysia.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said this was due to repeated misuse of the AI chatbot to generate obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive and non-consensual manipulated images, including content involving women and minors.
The move came into effect yesterday, according to the MCMC, following regulatory engagement and the issuance of formal notices.
“We have issued notices to X Corp and xAI LLC on Jan 3 and 8, demanding, among others, the implementation of effective technical and moderation safeguards to prevent AI-generated content that may contravene Malaysian law, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
“However, the responses submitted on Jan 7 and 9 by X Corp relied primarily on user-initiated reporting mechanisms and failed to address the inherent risks posed by the design and operation of the AI tool.
“MCMC considered this insufficient to prevent harm or ensure legal compliance.
“The restriction is imposed as a preventive and proportionate measure while legal and regulatory processes are ongoing,” it said in a statement.
MCMC added that access to Grok would remain restricted until effective safeguards are implemented, particularly to prevent content involving women and children.
MCMC also said it would remain open to engagement with X Corp and xAI LLC, subject to demonstrable compliance with Malaysian law.
“The public is strongly urged to report harmful online content to MCMC and, where appropriate, lodge reports with the police,” it said.
