OBSCENE CONTENT: MCMC MULLS SUING X, IMPOSES TEMPORARY RESTRICTION ON GROK

SHAH ALAM, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is mulling over the possibility of taking legal action against the social platform X after its artificial intelligence (AI) application, Grok, failed to comply with national online safety laws.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the move followed inadequate and pro forma responses from X to MCMC’s queries on Grok’s ability to generate obscene content, including material involving children and women.

“MCMC contacted X last week for clarification...The response was unsatisfactory. After receiving MCMC’s report, I instructed that a temporary restriction be imposed on Grok and that legal action be considered,” he told reporters here today.

Fahmi said the restriction applies only to Grok, not the entire X platform, citing insufficient safeguards to control AI-generated content, and that the duration of the restriction will depend on X’s level of compliance with Malaysian law.

He said the issue involves potential breaches of the Communications and Multimedia Act and the Online Safety Act, and enforcement action may continue as long as unlawful content can still be generated and published.

Malaysia is not alone in taking action, Fahmi noted, with countries including Indonesia having blocked Grok, while the United Kingdom is examining similar concerns.

“This also reflects global alarm over Grok’s failure to provide adequate safeguards in the use of AI,” he said.

The minister also said that he would soon meet the newly formed Online Safety Committee, chaired by former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, to strengthen enforcement efforts.

“The goal is a safer internet, especially for children and families. Our laws are sufficient; what matters is enforcement and compliance,” he said.

Earlier, Fahmi attended the presentation ceremony of the appointment letters to chairmen of the National Information Dissemination Centre Advisory Panels for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, here today.

Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and State Islamic Affairs and Innovation Culture Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.

In his speech at the event, Fahmi also said the ministry aims to secure cooperation from all social media platforms by mid-year to only allow access to users aged 16 and above.

-- BERNAMA