Malaysia Reinstates Grok AI Use After Platform Strengthens Safety Measures
Malaysia’s regulator has officially lifted its temporary restriction on access to the AI chatbot Grok following the implementation of extra safety safeguards by the social media company X, ending a short-lived block that sparked national debate.
Malaysia had temporarily blocked Grok earlier this month amid widespread concerns over the chatbot’s capabilities — notably its previous ability to generate and share manipulated and inappropriate imagery without consent. Following diplomatic discussions and review of new technical measures deployed by X, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) confirmed that access has now been restored.
🔐 Enhanced Safety Measures Lead to Reopening
The decision to lift the restriction came after representatives from X met with Malaysian officials to discuss the platform’s updated safeguards and compliance roadmap. The MCMC said it was satisfied that X had instituted measures designed to prevent the generation and circulation of sexualised and manipulated content, which was the focal point of the initial ban. Authorities stressed that ongoing monitoring will continue to ensure these improvements are effective.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil noted that the regulator will remain vigilant and that future violations of Malaysian digital laws will be taken seriously.
📉 Ban Lifted, But Safety Remains Priority
Although users in Malaysia can now access Grok again, regulatory focus has shifted from outright restriction to supervision and enforcement of user safety standards. The block was a response to concerns over Grok’s AI image tools that had drawn international criticism, including issues around non-consensual and sexually explicit deepfakes.
The MCMC highlighted that user protection remains central to its oversight and that X must maintain compliance with local laws. Any lapse could result in fresh actions.
