MCMC imposes temporary ban on Grok AI in Malaysia due to pornographic content generation and non-compliance with local laws, effective from Jan 11.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has ordered a temporary ban on access to the Grok artificial intelligence tool for users in Malaysia.
The ban, effective today, was taken following repeated abuse of Grok to generate pornographic and sexually explicit content.
MCMC said the action also follows the circulation of extremely obscene content and images of non-consensual manipulation.
This includes content involving women and children, despite regulatory action having been issued to X Corp. and xAI LLC.
The commission had issued notices to X Corp. and xAI LLC on Jan 3 and Jan 8.
It demanded the implementation of technical protection measures and effective content supervisors to prevent AI-generated content that may violate Malaysian laws.
These laws include Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
However, the response submitted by X Corp. on Jan 7 and Jan 9 focused primarily on user-initiated reporting mechanisms.
MCMC said the response failed to address the inherent risks arising from the design and operation of the AI tool.
Based on this response, the commission found the action insufficient to prevent harm and ensure compliance with the law.
“This temporary ban is imposed as a reasonable precautionary measure while the legislative and regulatory process is still ongoing,” MCMC stated.
The restriction on access to Grok will remain in place until effective safeguards are implemented.
These safeguards must particularly prevent content involving women and children.
MCMC remains open to engaging with X Corp. and xAI LLC, subject to demonstrable compliance with Malaysian laws.
The public is urged to report harmful online content to MCMC immediately.
If necessary, individuals should also file a report with the Royal Malaysia Police.
