Outlook Business Desk
Indonesia has temporarily blocked access to Grok, becoming the first country, according to Reuters, to restrict the xAI-owned chatbot after reports of widespread misuse involving explicit image generation online.
The move followed reports that thousands of users used Grok to recreate images of women, and sometimes children, without clothes, raising serious concerns over non-consensual sexual deepfakes.
Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said the government views non-consensual sexual deepfakes as grave violations of human rights, dignity and citizen security within Indonesia’s digital space.
The ministry cited the need to protect women, children and the public from psychological and social harm, categorising Grok’s sexualised image generation as a form of digital-based violence.
Indonesia has also issued formal summons to X officials, requiring explanations on Grok’s negative impacts and demanding clear technical steps to ensure compliance with Indonesian laws.
While the block remains temporary, the minister said Grok’s future in Indonesia depends on whether the platform implements strict content filters and follows recognised ethical AI standards.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk and xAI warned users last week that misusing Grok for illegal content could lead to legal consequences. Musk said creating illegal material on Grok would be treated the same as uploading such content online.
After criticism over deepfake images, Musk shared a post shifting blame to users. Meanwhile, three US senators urged Google and Apple to remove Grok and X apps for violating rules banning sexualised images.