Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ordered a temporary ban on access to Grok artificial intelligence (AI) for users in Malaysia, effective today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MCMC stated that the action was taken due to repeated abuse of Grok to generate pornographic and sexually explicit content. This includes extremely obscene and sexually explicit content and images of non-consensual manipulation, involving women and children, despite previous regulatory actions issued to X Corp. and xAI LLC.

MCMC had issued notices to X Corp. and xAI LLC on January 3 and January 8, demanding the implementation of technical protection measures. These demands include effective content supervisors to prevent AI-generated content that may violate Malaysian laws, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The response from X Corp. on January 7 and January 9 primarily focused on a user-initiated reporting mechanism and did not adequately address the inherent risks from the AI tool's design and operation, according to MCMC. The commission found this response insufficient to prevent harm and ensure compliance with the law.

MCMC emphasized that this temporary ban is a precautionary measure while legislative and regulatory processes are ongoing. The restriction will remain until effective safeguards are implemented, particularly to prevent content involving women and children.

MCMC is open to engaging with X Corp. and xAI LLC, provided they comply with Malaysian laws. The public is encouraged to report harmful online content to MCMC and, if necessary, file reports with the Royal Malaysia Police.