Indonesia has ended its prohibition on the Grok AI chatbot, previously restricted due to its creation of millions of explicit deepfake images, including thousands depicting minors. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs issued an announcement today, permitting the platform X to restart operations in the nation while subjecting it to continuous scrutiny for potential rule breaches.
The government body noted that X submitted documentation outlining various safeguards designed to curb inappropriate use of the Grok system. Alexander Sabar, who oversees digital space monitoring as the ministry's director general, indicated in the release that officials will regularly evaluate these protections and could reinstate restrictions on Grok should it disseminate prohibited materials or infringe on national child protection regulations.
The controversy originated earlier this year when Indonesia, in tandem with Malaysia and the Philippines, imposed restrictions on the AI tool following discoveries of it generating non-consensual sexually suggestive deepfakes featuring females and youngsters upon user prompts. The Philippines removed its restrictions shortly afterward, with Malaysia following suit within days. Like Indonesia, Malaysian officials vowed ongoing vigilance over Grok and warned of further penalties should the technology replicate its earlier misconduct. In addition to these actions, Grok remains under review by California's top legal officer and the United Kingdom's broadcasting authority over the identical concerns.