KUALA LUMPUR – The government is set to review the social media licensing threshold, particularly the eight-million-user requirement, to better address online harm, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Speaking in Parliament, Fahmi highlighted that the recent misuse of the Grok artificial intelligence (AI) feature on the X app demonstrated that harm could still occur even on platforms with fewer users, local media reported.
X currently enjoys an exemption from licensing as the company claims fewer than eight million users in Malaysia.
“This case, involving a hybrid AI and social media platform, has raised concerns,” Fahmi said. “Despite the platform not meeting the eight-million-user threshold, online harm can still take place. Therefore, we will be reassessing the user threshold to ensure greater regulation of potential risks."
The misuse of Grok, an AI application on the X platform, has raised alarms over the generation of obscene images and videos. Fahmi confirmed that X executives have assured the government that measures have been put in place to prevent such abuses.
“During a meeting with X representatives, they confirmed that preventive measures have been implemented to stop Grok from producing inappropriate content,” he said.
“X also pledged to ensure that harmful content is not shared through the platform, and we have requested that they submit a written record of the steps they have taken for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to assess."
Following the misuse of Grok, MCMC imposed a temporary restriction on access to the AI in Malaysia on January 11, 2023. The restriction was a response to multiple instances where the AI was used to create and share sexually explicit content.
On January 21, X confirmed that further regulatory actions had been taken to prevent the AI from generating or editing harmful content such as pornography and incest.
Fahmi expressed satisfaction with the measures implemented, noting that X had committed to cooperating with the government to enhance internet safety, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“We are seeing positive engagement from X, and I believe their commitment to working with the ministry and MCMC will contribute to safer online spaces,” Fahmi stated.
Regarding content takedown requests, Fahmi revealed that MCMC had processed approximately 50% of requests for harmful content removal from the platform, describing the figure as moderate but indicative of the platform's willingness to comply.
Fahmi added that he had directed his team to establish stronger cooperation channels with X to ensure a safer digital environment, especially for families and children.
The government’s review of the licensing framework will include consultations on refining the regulatory approach to better protect Malaysians from online harm. - January 22, 2026
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