Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ordered a temporary restriction on access to the Grok artificial intelligence tool for users in Malaysia, effective 11 January 2026.
They become the latest country in Southeast Asia to restrict X’s Grok AI tool following Indonesia.
According to MCMC, the move follows repeated instances in which the AI tool was misused to generate obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive and non-consensual manipulated images. The commission said this included content involving women and minors, despite earlier regulatory engagement and formal notices issued to X Corp. and xAI LLC.
MCMC said it issued notices to X Corp. and xAI LLC on 3 January 2026 and 8 January 2026, requiring the implementation of effective technical and moderation safeguards. These measures were intended to prevent AI-generated content that may contravene Malaysian law, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The commission noted that responses submitted by X Corp. on 7 January 2026 and 9 January 2026 relied largely on user-initiated reporting mechanisms. MCMC said these responses did not sufficiently address risks arising from the design and operation of the AI tool, and were considered inadequate to prevent haSingapore Court blocks 53 illegal streaming domains in piracy clampdownrm or ensure legal compliance.
As a result, MCMC said the restriction was imposed as a preventive and proportionate measure while legal and regulatory processes continue. Access to Grok will remain restricted until effective safeguards are implemented, particularly those aimed at preventing content involving women and children.
MCMC added that it remains open to engagement with X Corp. and xAI LLC, subject to demonstrable compliance with Malaysian law.
The commission also urged members of the public to promptly report harmful online content to MCMC and, where appropriate, lodge police reports with the Royal Malaysia Police.
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