The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has directed a temporary restriction on Grok‘s artificial intelligence chatbot in Malaysia, effective today, 11 January 2026. This comes after repeated misuse of Grok’s AI tool to generate harmful content.
According to MCMC, the action was taken after Grok was repeatedly used to generate obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive, and non-consensual manipulated images, including content involving women and minors. This is despite prior regulatory engagement with X Corp and xAI.
Prior notices issued by MCMC, safeguards deemed insufficient
MCMC said it had issued formal notices to X Corp. and xAI LLC on 3 January 2026 and 8 January 2026, requiring the implementation of effective technical and moderation safeguards to prevent AI-generated content that may contravene Malaysian law, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
However, responses submitted by X Corp. on 7 January 2026 and 9 January 2026 were found to rely primarily on user-initiated reporting mechanisms, which MCMC said failed to adequately address the inherent risks arising from the design and operation of the AI tool.
MCMC stated that these measures were insufficient to prevent harm or ensure legal compliance, prompting the regulator to impose the temporary restriction as a preventive and proportionate measure while legal and regulatory processes remain ongoing.
Access remains restricted until X complies
The regulator added that access to Grok will remain restricted until effective safeguards are implemented, particularly to prevent content involving women and children. MCMC also noted that it remains open to further engagement with X Corp. and xAI LLC, subject to demonstrable compliance with Malaysian law.
Members of the public are also urged to report harmful online content to MCMC and, where appropriate, lodge police reports with the Royal Malaysia Police.
Grok was recently blocked in Indonesia for failing to address concerns about fake and AI-generated pornographic content.
