DICT blocks Grok AI chatbot over deepfake abuse concerns

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has ordered the blocking of Grok in the Philippines. This follows a trend of X users leveraging the bot for the removal of clothing of select individuals.

The decision comes after reports that the AI chatbot can generate sexually explicit deepfakes involving women and minors. The takedown was carried out under Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The agency worked with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to restrict access to Grok across the country. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stressed the urgency of the action to protect vulnerable groups.

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso said Grok can create pornographic material and child pornography content. This capability made the ban unavoidable according to the government agency.

The chatbot will remain blocked until it complies with internet fair use policies in the Philippines. Grok has already been banned in Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, the UK, France, and the EU.

The case highlights growing concerns about generative AI tools and their potential for misuse. While AI chatbots are designed to assist users, regulators warn they can be exploited for harmful purposes.

DICT said it will continue to monitor platforms that pose risks to public safety in the country. We’ll let readers know of any developments towards Grok’s availability in the Philippines.