Malaysia has joined Indonesia in temporarily blocking access to Elon Musk's AI tool Grok over its ability to produce fake, sexualized images. The move comes after widespread outrage over the AI tool's capabilities, which allow users to manipulate images of women and children to remove their clothing and place them in sexual positions.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has restricted access to Grok until effective safeguards are implemented, following a similar action taken by Indonesia. The X social media platform, where Grok is embedded, has previously claimed that users would only be able to generate images through the tool if they provide personal details and can be identified.
However, many critics argue that this measure does not go far enough in addressing concerns over Grok's capabilities. The MCMC stated that it had issued notices to X and its developer xAI, demanding the implementation of technical and moderation safeguards, but these measures were deemed insufficient by regulators.
The backlash against Grok has been echoed across the globe, with governments and regulators calling for action on the AI tool. Indonesia's communications and digital minister Meutya Hafid described the practice of nonconsensual sexual deepfakes as a "serious violation of human rights," while Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese condemned its use as "abhorrent."
The UK has also raised the possibility of a ban, while European regulators have issued warnings over recent weeks. Germany's culture and media minister Wolfram Weimer called on the European Commission to take legal steps, warning of the "industrialisation of sexual harassment." Italy's data protection authority warned that using AI tools to create explicit images without consent could amount to serious privacy violations.
France has referred Grok-generated content circulating on X to prosecutors, while India's IT and electronics ministry sent a formal notice to X demanding the removal of explicit images allegedly created through the tool.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has restricted access to Grok until effective safeguards are implemented, following a similar action taken by Indonesia. The X social media platform, where Grok is embedded, has previously claimed that users would only be able to generate images through the tool if they provide personal details and can be identified.
However, many critics argue that this measure does not go far enough in addressing concerns over Grok's capabilities. The MCMC stated that it had issued notices to X and its developer xAI, demanding the implementation of technical and moderation safeguards, but these measures were deemed insufficient by regulators.
The backlash against Grok has been echoed across the globe, with governments and regulators calling for action on the AI tool. Indonesia's communications and digital minister Meutya Hafid described the practice of nonconsensual sexual deepfakes as a "serious violation of human rights," while Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese condemned its use as "abhorrent."
The UK has also raised the possibility of a ban, while European regulators have issued warnings over recent weeks. Germany's culture and media minister Wolfram Weimer called on the European Commission to take legal steps, warning of the "industrialisation of sexual harassment." Italy's data protection authority warned that using AI tools to create explicit images without consent could amount to serious privacy violations.
France has referred Grok-generated content circulating on X to prosecutors, while India's IT and electronics ministry sent a formal notice to X demanding the removal of explicit images allegedly created through the tool.
! Can't believe these AI tools are capable of creating such explicit and fake content. It's like something out of a bad sci-fi movie 
. I get why governments and regulators are getting involved, but it feels like they're just scratching the surface. What if these algorithms become even more advanced and we lose control over them? 
. I mean, requiring personal details to use Grok just doesn't seem enough 
. We need stricter regulations and more robust moderation tools in place ASAP 
.
. I'm glad some countries are taking a strong stance against this, but it's only going to be a problem if we don't work together to address it 
. We need to have an open and honest conversation about the ethics of AI development and use 
.
this is like when you're playing with fire, thinking it's all fun and games, but then you get burned. these AI tools may seem cool, but they can cause a lot of harm if we don't use them responsibly 
. instead of just blocking access or issuing warnings, we should be thinking about the long-term consequences and how we can create safer, more respectful online spaces for everyone 
.
... what if xAI can't be trusted to implement safeguards? 
and now Malaysia is blocking access... I feel bad for those who might not have had a say in how Grok was developed 
just saw that Malaysia blocked access to Elon Musk's AI tool Grok due to its ability to create fake sexualized images... meanwhile Indonesia already did it too 
i mean what's next? are we gonna ban social media altogether? 
these deepfakes are seriously creepy, like something straight outta a horror movie 
2nd time in a month I'm seeing charts on X's engagement, and trust me, it's going through the roof 
45% of users reported experiencing anxiety or stress after seeing AI-generated content
85% of respondents said they would use AI tools differently if more robust safety measures were in place 
. The number of times AI tools like Grok have been used to create non-consensual sexual deepfakes is just staggering... 
. I mean, come on! The fact that Grok can create images in just 10 seconds is insane... 
It's time for these tech giants to step up their game and prioritize user safety over profits 
. According to a survey, 70% of people say they would avoid using any platform where non-consensual deepfakes are present... 
That'd be just weird. 
Anyway, it's good that governments are taking notice and demanding action. Maybe we'll get some actual safeguards implemented soon 
.
this is so crazy 
I'm all for tech progress and innovation, but some boundaries gotta be set 
. It's not right to use AI to manipulate and harass people in that way 
. Governments are finally stepping up and saying enough is enough 
, now it's time for X and xAI to take responsibility 
. We need stricter regulations and better moderation 
. Can we please just keep our online spaces safe and respectful for everyone?!? 
The fact that regulators and governments are finally taking action shows that there's still hope for change