Access to Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot integrated into social media platform X, has been restored in Malaysia following the implementation of additional safety controls, the country’s communications regulator announced on Friday.

Malaysia had temporarily blocked access to Grok earlier this month amid a global backlash over a controversial feature that allowed users to generate and publicly share sexualised images of individuals, raising concerns about privacy, consent and online abuse.

According to the regulator, the decision to reinstate access followed assurances from X that enhanced safeguards had been put in place to prevent misuse of the tool. While specific technical details were not disclosed, the regulator said the new measures addressed the risks that prompted the temporary restriction.

The move comes as governments worldwide increasingly scrutinize generative artificial intelligence tools, particularly those capable of creating realistic images, audio or video that could be used to harass, exploit or misrepresent individuals.

Authorities in Malaysia reiterated their commitment to balancing innovation with public safety, stressing that digital platforms operating in the country must comply with local laws and content standards.

The regulator added that it would continue to monitor Grok’s use closely, warning that further action could be taken if the platform fails to uphold its responsibilities in preventing harmful or abusive content.