PUTRAJAYA: Social media platform X has submitted all required documentation to authorities to verify the remedial actions it has taken following public complaints over the misuse of its Grok artificial intelligence (AI) tool to generate and edit obscene content, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said he met representatives from X on Wednesday (Jan 21), and the company subsequently submitted official documentation and letters confirming the steps taken to address the issue.
“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), after reviewing the documentation submitted by X, has confirmed that several measures to enhance user safety for the purpose of addressing public complaints are functioning as intended,” he said at a press conference here on Friday (Jan 23).
According to Fahmi, issues previously raised by users were no longer occurring, confirming assurances given by X during earlier discussions.
Moving forward, he said MCMC would continue to carry out its duties under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 as well as the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA).
Fahmi also reiterated his statement in Parliament that the government would review the current user threshold of eight million users for the application of ONSA to social media platforms.
At present, ONSA applies to platforms with more than eight million users, while X has fewer than that number in Malaysia.
“We will re-examine this threshold because we have found that online harm can be generated on platforms with fewer users and then spread elsewhere.
“There is therefore a need to review the threshold so that, in future, platforms such as X will also be subject to the requirements under ONSA,” he said.
Asked whether stricter restrictions or action would be taken by MCMC if Grok is found to be offering prohibited content again, Fahmi said enforcement action could be taken under existing laws.
“Yes. Under the Communications and Multimedia Act, which we are currently using, restrictions can be imposed on online services, including Grok.
“If ONSA becomes applicable, there are additional actions that can be taken, including penalties that are not insignificant in amount,” he said.
Fahmi said there were several regulatory options available to the authorities, but stressed that X had demonstrated a willingness to cooperate.
“It is important to note that X has been prepared to attend meetings, engage in discussions, exchange views and show commitment to complying with the laws of our country.
“I believe the working relationship between the government, particularly MCMC, and platforms such as X will improve in the future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the cabinet had also discussed media reports alleging that three villages in Indonesia had been absorbed into Malaysian territory.
As the issue involves the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) has been tasked with issuing a comprehensive official statement.
He said the statement was expected to be released by Monday at the latest, as the matter involves a lengthy bilateral discussion process between Malaysia and Indonesia.
On a separate matter, Fahmi said the cabinet had also touched on the issue of pig farming areas in Selangor.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would engage with the Selangor Menteri Besar to review the matter, including efforts to prevent the establishment of new farms near residential areas and to examine the use of newer technologies.
