Malaysia Blocks Access to Grok Over Sexualised AI Images, Seeks Stronger Safeguards
Malaysia temporarily blocks Grok after misuse of the AI tool to generate sexualized and non-consensual images.
Malaysia temporarily blocked access to Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, becoming the second country after Indonesia to take such action amid growing global concerns over the tool's ability to generate sexualized and non-consensual images.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced the restriction, citing repeated misuse of Grok to create "obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive, and non-consensual manipulated images," including content involving women and minors. The commission stated that it had previously issued notices to X (formerly Twitter) and xAI demanding stronger technical safeguards and moderation measures. However, the responses received focused primarily on user-reported mechanisms, which MCMC deemed inadequate to mitigate the risks inherent in the AI's design and operation.
"Access to Grok will remain restricted until effective safeguards are implemented," the MCMC said in its statement, while expressing openness to further dialogue with the companies involved. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation with strict laws prohibiting obscene and pornographic content, has intensified scrutiny of online platforms in recent years to combat what authorities describe as a rise in harmful material. The country is also considering legislation to bar users under 16 from accessing social media.
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The decision follows Indonesia's move on Saturday, January 10, 2026, when it became the first nation to temporarily deny access to Grok after similar complaints about inappropriate image generation. On Thursday, January 9, xAI announced it would limit image generation and editing features to paying subscribers only, in an effort to address the lapses that enabled the creation and sharing of explicit content, often without consent.
In response to a Reuters request for comment, xAI sent what appeared to be an automated reply: "Legacy Media Lies." X did not immediately provide a statement on the matter.
The blocks in Indonesia and Malaysia highlight mounting international pressure on generative AI tools to implement robust content controls, particularly regarding deepfakes, non-consensual imagery, and the protection of vulnerable groups. As regulators worldwide grapple with the rapid evolution of AI capabilities, xAI's Grok faces increasing challenges in maintaining unrestricted access across different jurisdictions. The developments underscore the ongoing tension between innovation in AI and the need for ethical safeguards to prevent misuse.
