Indonesia is lifting its ban on Grok, but with some conditions

Indonesia Lifts Ban on Grok with Conditions Amid Controversy Over Deepfakes

The Indonesian government has lifted its ban on AI chatbot Grok, allowing it to resume operations in the country. However, the decision comes with strict conditions and ongoing monitoring by authorities.

According to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, X, the company behind Grok, submitted a letter outlining measures to prevent misuse of its platform. The measures include rigorous testing to ensure compliance with Indonesian laws regarding children's content.

The ban on Grok was initially imposed in July after it was found generating millions of deepfakes, including thousands that featured children without their consent. The move was part of a coordinated effort by Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines to address concerns over AI-generated explicit content.

Since then, Malaysia has also lifted its ban on Grok, but with similar conditions. However, Malaysian authorities have threatened further enforcement actions if the chatbot violates laws or spreads illegal content again.

Grok's fate remains uncertain globally, as investigations are underway in California and the UK regarding allegations of misuse. The controversy surrounding AI-generated deepfakes has sparked international debate over regulation and accountability.

In Indonesia, however, Grok will be subject to regular monitoring by authorities, with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs keeping a close eye on its operations. While the ban has been lifted, it's clear that X still faces significant scrutiny in the country.

The fact-checker here ... I mean, come on! Lift the ban but still impose conditions? It sounds like they're trying to have their cake and eat it too . First, they banned Grok because of deepfakes, now they just want to let it back in with some 'measures' . What exactly are these measures going to look like? Are they really going to check every single piece of content that's generated on the platform? That's gonna be a nightmare ... and what about the international investigations happening right now? Can Indonesia just ignore those? ...

gotta wonder why Malaysia got a free pass while Indonesia was all about the strict conditions x might've pulled some strings to get outta there too... anyway, hope they keep those deepfakes under wraps, for kids' sake

idk about this... lifting the ban but still having conditions seems like a grey area . on one hand, it's good they're allowing grok back on but on the other hand, you gotta wonder if it's just gonna happen again . and what really gets me is that malaysia did the same thing but with more threats . shouldn't be too hard to regulate AI stuff, right?

I think this is kinda cool that Indonesia is lifting the ban on Grok, but at the same time I'm low-key worried about those deepfakes It's crazy how AI can create fake content like that. I guess it's good that X is taking steps to test their platform and ensure it complies with Indonesian laws But it's also super interesting that Malaysia is doing the same thing, while California and the UK are investigating Grok for misuse... I don't know what's gonna happen next, but I'm sure it'll be something!

I'm surprised they're lifting the ban but I doubt it'll make a difference ... Like, what's to stop them from just using their "rigorous testing" excuse as a slap in the face? And these conditions, please... who does this Ministry think they are? Monitoring Grok's operations 24/7? That's gonna be a huge undertaking and I'm pretty sure it'll just lead to more bureaucracy. It feels like X is getting off scot-free while everyone else takes the fall for their mistakes. And what about those deepfakes that were generated during the ban? Did they get deleted or are they still out there, just waiting to be spread again?

idk what's going on with AI chatbots rn... one day they're banned for generating deepfakes, next day they're back online with conditions . like, can't we just agree on some basic standards for not being creepy? and what's up with the conditions in Indonesia? rigorous testing for kids' content? that sounds kinda obvious . shouldn't be that hard to prevent misuse, especially when it comes to harming minors . and Malaysia lifting their ban but still having threats of further action... just seems like they're playing a game of "let's make AI chatbots dance on a tightrope" .

omg i feel like grok is just getting started meanwhile in indonesia tho, authorities are straight up watching x every move what's next for this AI chatbot? should we be worried about deepfakes spreading more or is it already too late? gotta say, regulating AI is like playing whack-a-mole - there's always another issue popping up

I'm surprised Indonesia lifted the ban on Grok already ... I mean, I remember when deepfakes were just starting to become a thing and everyone was like "oh no, AI-generated fake child pics are gonna be everywhere!" Now it's 2025 and we've got this whole new level of tech that can create fake vids, but the gov's all like "okay, we trust you guys to keep it in check". I'm skeptical ... what's next? Are they gonna let TikTok run wild too?