SE Asian nations become first to ban AI tool following "repeated misuse" and safety concerns

The Global Reporter · Posted: Jan 12, 2026 9:00 AM EST | Last Updated: Today

Malaysia and Indonesia are the first countries to block Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok. This decision follows a wave of controversy. The tool can generate sexually explicit deepfakes of real people. These images often target women and children without their consent.

The Malaysia Indonesia Grok block was announced by communication ministries this weekend. Regulators cited "inherent risks" in the AI's design. They also blamed X (formerly Twitter) for failing to implement technical safeguards.

"The government views non-consensual deepfakes as a serious violation of dignity," said Indonesia’s Minister Meutya Hafid on Saturday.

WATCH | Global backlash grows over AI deepfakes: Regulators explain why controls on Elon Musk's Grok AI were "insufficient" to stop harmful content.

Inadequate Safeguards and Repeated Misuse

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued a restriction on Sunday. They found "repeated misuse" of Grok to create offensive images.

According to , MCMC previously asked X Corp for tighter security. However, the regulator found X’s response to be inadequate. The platform focused on user reporting rather than stopping the AI at the source.

"The Malaysia Indonesia Grok block is a preventive measure," the MCMC stated. Access will remain restricted until verified protections are in place.

The Human Cost of AI Deepfakes

The ban follows reports of users "undressing" real people through AI prompts. Kirana Ayuningtyas, an Indonesian advocate, shared her painful experience. A stranger used Grok to manipulate her photo into an explicit image.

Ayuningtyas adjusted her privacy settings and reported the content. Unfortunately, the platform's response was ineffective. "None of that really worked," she said. She fears that people may still have the edited images.

UK and Europe Consider Similar Action

The Malaysia Indonesia Grok block has set a new global precedent. Western nations may follow this path soon. In the UK, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall called the AI images "disgraceful."

British regulator Ofcom has started an investigation into X. Under the Online Safety Act, the UK can fine platforms 10% of their revenue. They can also block access entirely if laws are ignored.

Elon Musk has responded to the pressure. He accused governments of wanting to "suppress free speech." Meanwhile, xAI has limited image features to paying subscribers to reduce abuse.