Indonesia Reinstates Access to Grok AI After X Corp Pledges Stricter Safeguards
JAKARTA, Feb. 2 — Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has conditionally restored access to the Grok AI chatbot, reversing a ban imposed last month over its misuse to create pornographic deepfakes. The decision came after X Corp., the platform’s parent company, submitted a written commitment outlining enhanced safeguards.
In a statement released Saturday, Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision at the ministry, emphasized that the normalization of Grok’s services is provisional. “Access restoration is based on X Corp.’s concrete written plan to prevent abuse and improve service integrity,” Sabar said. “This commitment marks a starting point for ongoing evaluation, not the end of our oversight.”
The ministry had blocked Grok in late January following reports that users were manipulating the chatbot to generate non-consensual explicit imagery, including of women and children. X Corp.’s response, described in a letter to regulators, includes what it calls “multi-layered measures” aimed at curbing such violations. Indonesian officials will monitor the implementation closely and warn that the ban could be reinstated if compliance falters.
The incident highlights growing global scrutiny of generative AI tools. Beyond Indonesia, Grok has faced regulatory attention in several Southeast Asian nations, the European Union, the United States, and Australia. Neighbors Malaysia and the Philippines have also recently lifted temporary restrictions on the platform after similar negotiations.
Indonesia has positioned itself as a regional leader in combating harmful digital content, particularly material that risks exploiting minors. The move coincides with legislative efforts abroad—including a U.S. Senate bill passed last month—that empower victims of deepfake pornography to sue creators.
Expert & Public Reaction
Dr. Anya Rahman, a digital ethics researcher at Universitas Indonesia, commented: “This is a pragmatic step that balances innovation with protection. The key will be consistent enforcement and transparency from X Corp.”
Marcus Tan, a tech policy analyst in Jakarta, offered a sharper view: “It’s regulatory theater. Without independent audits and real penalties, these ‘commitments’ are just PR. Indonesia is letting a repeat offender back online based on promises.”
Sarah Wijaya, a parent and educator from Bandung, said: “As a mother, I’m relieved steps are being taken, but I’ll believe it when I see results. Our children’s safety can’t be an afterthought.”
David Chen, a startup founder in Bali, noted: “Quick resolution shows Indonesia is serious about being AI-friendly, but also firm on rules. It sends a clear signal to the industry.”