THE Government has taken decisive action to temporarily restrict access to the AI service Grok, with measures aimed at strengthening online safety and protecting vulnerable groups from harmful content, the Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil informed Parliament on Thursday.
The restrictions, effective from 11 January 2026, follow official notices issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to X Corp and xAI LLC on 3 and 8 January, concerning Grok content deemed potentially harmful and requiring immediate preventive measures.
“Following the absence of effective remedial action, MCMC directed internet service providers to enforce temporary access restrictions on the Grok app across websites and mobile platforms,” the Minister stated.
Further guidance issued on 16 January required the platforms to implement comprehensive content moderation and security mechanisms.
MCMC continues to monitor compliance and assess the effectiveness of these controls, having recorded 17 reports or complaints concerning Grok, including official complaints, police reports, social media tags, and an initial First Information Report filed by the regulator.
On 21 January, the Minister chaired a meeting with representatives from X Corp, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Communications and MCMC.
The session sought clarity and commitment on preventative steps, user safety features, and adherence to Malaysian law in preventing the dissemination of harmful online content.
“Representatives confirmed that necessary preventive measures have been implemented,” the Minister said.
“The application can no longer be misused to generate sexually explicit or obscene images and videos. The platform has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing harmful content from circulating online.”
Fahmi emphasised that Malaysia’s actions are timely and critical to safeguarding the public, especially children, families, and vulnerable populations, aligning with national laws, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Online Safety Act 2025, as well as the principles of the Rukun Negara.
Similar regulatory actions have been observed in other countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, reflecting international best practices.
Looking ahead, the government is prioritising long-term AI governance, reinforcing the responsibilities of online service providers, enhancing content regulation, continuous monitoring, and raising public awareness to mitigate exposure to harmful online content.
“These steps ensure that AI services operate responsibly, protecting users and upholding Malaysian societal values while maintaining alignment with global regulatory standards,” he added. - January 22, 2026
