Indonesia has temporarily blocked Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s social media platform X, following public outrage over indecent and sexually explicit deepfake images of women, prompting government action to protect public safety and prevent children from being exposed to harmful content.
Authorities said the move followed mounting concern over the spread of AI-generated explicit material that could harm vulnerable groups such as women and children.
In recent days, users on X have been able to ask Grok to undress women using their real photos found online and produce AI versions which show the women dressed only in a string bikini. The images are sexual in nature and are done without the consent of the people pictured.
The images are available for anyone to see online and those targeted include politicians, celebrities and high profile activists.
The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry said the block was imposed out of an “urgent need to protect women, children, and the public from the psychological and social harms of AI-generated explicit content.” The ministry framed the issue as a matter of public protection rather than censorship.
Minister Meutya Hafid said, “The government views non-consensual sexual deepfakes as a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and citizens’ security in the digital space.” She described the misuse of AI tools as a form of “digital-based violence.”
Officials added that digital platforms operating in Indonesia are required to show they have adequate safeguards to prevent the production or distribution of prohibited material. Failure to do so could lead to suspensions or permanent bans.
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Officials stressed the urgency of responding before such content became more widespread or normalised online.
The decision also reflects Indonesia’s broader push to hold digital platforms accountable for the tools they deploy. Regulators signalled that companies offering AI services must ensure safeguards are active before products are widely accessible.
Officials emphasised that the block is temporary but warned further action could follow if compliance issues remain unresolved. The case has drawn international attention as governments assess how to regulate rapidly evolving AI systems.
Platform scrutiny
Grok is offered through the social media platform X, it was designed by Elon Musk to be funny, sarcastic and controversial. Indonesian authorities have formally summoned X for clarification on this scandal. The government is reportedly seeking details on how the tool was deployed and what controls are in place.
On Friday, amid a global backlash Grok blocked non-subscribers from generating images that digitally undress women and minors, limiting the feature to paying users only but critics said this change failed to address the underlying problem.
Some governments, including Britain, argued that allowing such digital manipulation for subscribers was no solution at all. The response highlighted growing international pressure on AI developers to adopt stricter safeguards.
Responding to the UK’s condemnation of the new AI trend, Elon Musk posted on X: “They just want to suppress free speech.”
Indonesia has previously warned that X could face a ban over obscene content involving minors. Officials said the Grok case reinforces long-standing concerns about content moderation failures.
Earlier this month, regulators reiterated that platforms must comply with local laws regardless of where companies are based. The government has increasingly emphasised digital sovereignty and user protection.
The Grok block serves as a warning that Indonesia is prepared to act swiftly against AI tools that cross legal or ethical boundaries, even as global standards continue to evolve.
