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Indonesia blocks Grok over non-consensual, sexualized deepfakes

January 10, 2026
Anthony Ha
TechCrunch
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### Understanding the Situation Indonesia has decided to temporarily block access to Grok, an AI chatbot created by xAI. This decision stems from serious concerns about non-consensual and sexualized deepfakes. This situation raises important questions about the role of technology in society and the implications of allowing such content to circulate. ### The Impact of Non-Consensual Content Non-consensual deepfakes can have devastating effects on individuals, particularly when it comes to privacy and personal dignity. When technology is misused in this way, it not only harms the victims but also undermines public trust in AI systems. Understanding the ethical implications of these technologies is crucial for everyone, especially as they become more integrated into our daily lives. ### The Role of Governments and Regulations This incident highlights the need for clear regulations around AI technologies. Governments worldwide are grappling with how to manage these advancements while protecting citizens. Indonesia's actions show an increasing awareness of the potential dangers that come with AI. It’s a call to other nations to also examine their policies and consider taking similar steps to safeguard their citizens.

Indonesian officials said Saturday that they are temporarily blocking access to xAI’s chatbot Grok.

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