August M
Concerns about artificial intelligence and online harm are growing across Asia, as governments weigh how far to go in regulating powerful new tools. Recent moves by two countries have put the spotlight on Elon Musk’s technology and its global impact.
Pressure is also mounting elsewhere, with regulators and political leaders watching developments closely.
Access cut off
According to the BBC, Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Grok, the AI chatbot linked to Musk’s social media platform X. The two South East Asian nations said the tool had been used to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual deepfake images.
Officials said Grok allows users to manipulate photos of real people, including depicting them in revealing clothing.
Both governments warned that the technology could be misused to create pornographic content involving women and children.
They are believed to be the first countries in the world to ban the AI chatbot outright.
Regulator concerns
Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission said it had earlier issued notices to X after identifying “repeated misuse” of Grok. The regulator said the platform’s response failed to address the core risks posed by Grok’s design.
Instead, X focused mainly on user reporting mechanisms, which Malaysia said were insufficient.
The commission said Grok would remain blocked until effective safeguards are introduced and urged the public to report harmful online material.
Indonesia reacts
Indonesia’s communications and digital affairs minister, Meutya Hafid, said the use of Grok to create sexually explicit material violated “human rights, dignity and online safety”.
The ministry has asked X to provide clarification on how Grok is being used. Indonesia has a history of strict action against online pornography, having previously blocked sites such as OnlyFans and Pornhub.
Some Indonesian X users whose images were manipulated said they felt angry and humiliated by the experience.
Victims speak out
Kirana Ayuningtyas, a wheelchair user who shares posts about her daily life, told the BBC that someone had prompted Grok to edit her photo to show her wearing a bikini.
She said she changed her privacy settings and contacted the platform to have the image removed. “Unfortunately, none of that really worked,” she said, adding that it was distressing not knowing whether the images were still being shared.
Wider pressure builds
The BBC reported that Grok’s use to generate sexualised images has drawn condemnation from leaders worldwide. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the practice as “disgraceful” and “disgusting”.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said she would support regulator Ofcom if it chose to block access to X in the UK for breaching online safety laws. Musk has accused the UK government of trying to suppress free speech.
The BBC said it had contacted Grok for comment.
Sources: BBC
