Malaysia Lifts Ban on Xs AI Chatbot Grok

Malaysia’s decision to end the block on the AI image and text generator came after a similar move by the Philippines earlier this week.An illustration of generative AI chatbot Grok, in a file image. Riccardo Milani/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images1/23/2026|Updated: 1/23/2026Malaysia announced on Jan. 23 that it would lift its ban on Grok following X’s implementation of measures so that the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot complied with local law on safety.The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement that the temporary access restrictions would be lifted effective from Friday, “following confirmation of the implementation of additional preventive and security measures by the platform.”Victoria Friedman is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of international stories, with a particular interest in technology, eastern Europe, and defense. Author’s Selected Articles