Philippines to ban Grok over deepfakes
Asia
By
AFP
| Jan 15, 2026
The Philippines said Thursday it plans to block Elon Musk's Grok "by tonight", joining Southeast Asian neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia in barring access to the chatbot that has drawn fire over AI-generated sexualised deepfakes.
The news came hours after social media platform X said it was taking measures to prevent its chatbot from undressing images of real people -- including children -- amid a growing global backlash and the launch of an investigation in the US state of California.
"We need to clean the internet now, because much toxic content is appearing, especially with the advent of AI," telecommunications secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda told a press briefing announcing the decision.
Renato Paraiso, acting executive director of the country's cybercrime centre, told AFP the block would take effect within the day.
"By tonight or within today, we are expecting (Grok) to be blocked in the entire Philippines," Paraiso said.
READ MORE
Kenya trade strategy with Iran at crossroad over Trump's warning
How KQ's fortunes sank, and a pilot's rescue plan
Kenya secures landmark zero-duty trade deal with China
KNCCI opens office in Dubai to curb export losses
Msossi App set to launch in Kenya to tackle food waste and losses
Farmer's Choice achieves global food safety
Coastal startups test regional markets without capital backing
Government, private sector to introduce BT cotton in Lamu
Musk's Grok barred from undressing images after global backlash
"We are expecting the telcos to immediately comply with the (National Telecommunications Commission) order, so of course we will monitor it."
He added that X's pledge to limit access would have no effect on the government's plans.
"We cannot make decisions based on announcements," Paraiso said, adding they would watch to see if the platform carries through with its promises.
Indonesia on Saturday became the first country to block access to Grok entirely, with Malaysia following the next day.