Philippines Lift Ban on Grok AI After Deepfake ControversyWed 21st Jan, 2026Following a recent controversy involving the generation of sexually explicit deepfake images by the artificial intelligence tool Grok, authorities in Southeast Asia responded by restricting access to the service. The Philippines, which became the third country in the region to block Grok, has now reversed its decision after assurances from the technology's developer, xAI, regarding enhanced safeguards against misuse. Satisfied with these proposed safeguards, Philippine authorities have restored access to Grok, making it the first country in the region to do so after the incident. While the Philippines has resumed access to Grok following these assurances, other affected nations in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, have not yet lifted their bans. The Philippines' decision to reinstate access to Grok following xAI's commitment to improved safeguards sets a precedent in the region.

Source: The Munich Eye January 21, 2026 15:42 UTC