MCMC is preparing legal action against social media platform X over alleged failure to ensure user safety, says minister Fahmi Fadzil.
SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is preparing to take social media platform X to court for failing to ensure user safety, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said today.
Describing the development as breaking news, Fahmi said the matter would be followed up with enforcement action by the commission.
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“This is breaking news that I am announcing now, and it will be followed up with action by the MCMC,” he said.
He added that there are several facts related to the case and that MCMC will issue a statement to provide further details.
Speaking at a press conference after presenting appointment letters to the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) Advisory Panel chairman, Fahmi said that MCMC is preparing to take legal action against social media platform X over its AI tool, Grok, for failing to ensure user safety.
Fahmi said last week MCMC contacted X to obtain feedback on issues with Grok, which has been used to generate inappropriate and offensive images, particularly involving children and women.
“This constitutes a violation of our country’s laws—breaching the Communications and Multimedia Act as well as the Online Safety Act,” he said.
Fahmi noted that X’s response was “inadequate,” essentially a pro forma statement.
“After reviewing their feedback, I directed that a temporary suspension be imposed and that X be called in for discussion, though legal action remains on the table,” he said.
MCMC is currently reviewing the matter and will issue a media statement shortly.
The AI chatbot Grok was temporarily blocked in Malaysia on Jan 11 following repeated misuse to create obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, and non-consensual manipulated images, including content involving minors and women.
MCMC had previously issued notices to X Corp and xAI LLC on Jan 3 and 8, requiring the implementation of effective technical and moderation measures to prevent
AI-generated content that violates Malaysian law, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Fahmi also highlighted that Malaysia is not alone in taking action. “Many countries, including Indonesia, have already blocked Grok, and others, such as the UK, are examining similar measures.
“Grok lacks sufficient safeguards for AI usage, and as long as content that violates the law continues to be published, action can be taken against the platform.”
He added that he will work closely with the newly formed Online Safety Committee, chaired by former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Datuk Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim , to examine several issues aimed at creating a safer internet for children and families.
Fahmi reiterated that social media companies must be held accountable. “Platforms cannot simply ‘wash their hands’ of harmful content.
They must take stronger action to protect users and participate in local safety initiatives,” he said, noting that MCMC has repeatedly urged tech giants, including Meta and X, to improve moderation and prevent online harms such as cyberbullying, scams and suicide-related content.
