Indonesia Blocks Grok AI Over Non-Consensual Sexual Deepfake Content
Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital suspended access to Grok, an AI feature integrated into platform X, on January 10, 2026, citing concerns that the tool was being used to generate non-consensual sexual deepfake images targeting women and children. The government characterized such use as a serious violation of human rights and digital safety.
What happened
On January 10, 2026, Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital temporarily blocked access to Grok, an AI feature accessible through platform X, citing concerns about its use to generate non-consensual sexual deepfake content.
Minister Meutya Hafid stated the government viewed non-consensual sexual deepfake practices as serious violations of human rights, dignity, and digital safety for women, children, and citizens. The ministry requested platform X provide clarification regarding Grok's negative impacts and mitigation steps to prevent future misuse.
Reported impact
The use of AI technology to create and distribute fake pornographic content without the consent of those depicted was characterized as a form of digital sexual violence with psychological, social, and legal impacts on victims.
Index analysis
The block was described as preventive and corrective in nature. The Ministry of Communication and Digital cited its authority under Regulation of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics Number 5 of 2020 on Private Electronic System Operators, specifically Article 9, which requires electronic system operators to ensure systems do not contain, facilitate, or distribute prohibited electronic information.
Governance controls
The suspension was temporary and intended to allow platform X and the government to establish adequate security mechanisms to prevent future misuse of the technology.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.