Malaysia and Indonesia Restrict Access to Grok Over Sexual Deepfake Capabilities

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) stated that it had confirmed "repeated misuse" of Grok to create harmful content. It was pointed out that while X focused on the user reporting process in response, it failed to address the inherent risks in the platform's design.

Grok will reportedly remain blocked until effective safeguards are implemented.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, stated on Instagram that the generation of sexual content using Grok is a violation of human rights and dignity. Indonesia has banned other platforms such as OnlyFans and Pornhub in recent years.

Some X users feel that their photos have been edited and published. Kirana Ayuningtyas, a wheelchair user, reported that a stranger requested Grok to depict her wearing a bikini. She said that although she changed her privacy settings and requested the removal of the images, these actions had little effect.

Pressure to block Grok is also mounting in the UK. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall expressed full support if Ofcom blocks access to X under the Online Safety Act. Musk has criticized this as a suppression of free speech.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also condemned the generation of sexual images by Grok as "shameless and disgusting."