Philippine government blocks AI chatbot Grok over misuse concerns
Blocked in the Philippines. Authorities crack down on AI chatbot Grok over misuse concerns to protect women and children online.
The Philippine government has ordered the blocking of the artificial intelligence chatbot Grok amid concerns over its alleged misuse, including the generation of non-consensual sexually explicit images.
The move was confirmed by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda on Friday during the sidelines of the partnership signing between Globe Telecom and Starlink for the commercial rollout of direct-to-cell satellite services in Taguig City.
According to Aguda, access to Grok was restricted within 24 hours after he announced during a Palace briefing on Thursday that the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) were coordinating efforts to block the AI chatbot nationwide.
The DICT chief said the decision was carried out swiftly to prevent potential harm, particularly involving women and children online.
Despite the ban, Aguda noted that AI, the developer of Grok, has already reached out to government agencies to address the issue.
“They are setting a meeting with me, the NTC, and the CICC to provide a potential solution and a way forward,” Aguda said.
While Grok remains inaccessible in the country, the DICT said it is open to immediately lifting the ban once adequate safeguards are put in place.
Aguda added that AI has proposed corrective measures aimed at strengthening content moderation and ensuring protection against online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Following the directive, the NTC issued a memorandum circular, in coordination with the CICC, ordering all internet service providers (ISPs) to immediately block access to Grok across the Philippines.
The government emphasized that the action underscores its commitment to regulating emerging technologies while prioritizing public safety and child protection in the digital space.
