Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Grok, an artificial intelligence chatbot linked to Elon Musk’s platform X, citing concerns over the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images.
Regulators in both countries said the tool had been used to alter images of real people without consent, raising risks of digital exploitation, particularly involving women and children.
Malaysia’s communications regulator said it had previously warned X after identifying repeated misuse of the chatbot.
It said the company’s response relied largely on user complaints rather than preventive safeguards, and added that the block would remain in place until stronger protections are introduced.
In Indonesia, the Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, said sexually explicit AI-generated images violated human dignity and basic rights.
The government has asked X to clarify how Grok operates and what controls are in place.
Some Indonesian users say they have already been affected.
Disability rights advocate Kirana Ayuningtyas said her photograph was altered by a stranger using the chatbot and remained accessible despite being reported.
The bans come as governments in Europe also examine the misuse of artificial intelligence.
In the UK, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has backed calls for tougher enforcement of online safety rules, while media regulator Ofcom is considering possible action.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the use of AI to create sexualised images, calling it “disgraceful” and “disgusting”.
Elon Musk has previously rejected criticism of X, arguing it is used to justify censorship. X and Grok have been contacted for comment.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
