Indonesia Signals Possible Suspension of Grok AI on X Over Lewd Deepfakes: What PR Teams Need to Do Now
Indonesia's Ministry of Communication has warned it may suspend Grok AI services on X - and even the platform - after reports that the tool was used to generate and spread lewd, non-consensual image edits. Early checks by the ministry suggest Grok lacks adequate safeguards to stop photo-based pornographic content.
The government's message is blunt: platforms and AI providers operating in Indonesia must prevent privacy violations, sexual exploitation, and misuse of personal images. Non-compliance could trigger administrative action, up to service suspension.
What happened
According to the ministry's Digital Space Supervision office, some X users prompted Grok to alter photos - including commands to render clothed individuals in bikinis. The ministry says this exposes serious risks to privacy, dignity, and image rights.
Officials reminded providers of legal obligations and warned that those producing or distributing pornographic content or unauthorized image manipulation may face administrative and criminal penalties.
The legal risk (and why brands should care)
Indonesia's new Criminal Code (effective January 2, 2026) defines pornography in Article 172 and sets penalties in Article 407: imprisonment from 6 months up to 10 years, and fines as stipulated. That puts AI-driven image edits firmly in the spotlight for brands, agencies, and creators active in the market.
In short: if your campaigns or creators use AI image tools tied to Indonesian audiences, your exposure is real - even if misuse is "user-generated."
Immediate actions for PR and communications leaders
- Freeze risky features: Pause AI image-editing workflows (especially "change clothing," "remove clothing," or likeness edits) for Indonesia-facing campaigns.
- Update approvals: Require dual human review for any AI-generated or AI-edited visuals before publication.
- Consent first: Collect explicit, documented consent for any likeness edits. No consent, no edit.
- Block prompts: Configure vendor blocklists in Bahasa Indonesia and English for sexualized edits and sensitive body terms.
- Log everything: Keep auditable records of prompts, outputs, reviewers, and decisions. Set retention timelines.
- Geo-controls: Ensure your tools can disable risky features for Indonesia or specific regions.
- Takedown workflow: Pre-draft escalation emails in Bahasa to X and regulators. Assign on-call owners.
- Social listening: Track keywords in Bahasa related to deepfakes, pornographic edits, and your brand's spokespersons.
Vendor and platform checklist
- Safety guardrails: NSFW filters, nudity detection, blocked transformation prompts, and human-in-the-loop review.
- Consent and age checks: Built-in flows to confirm rights and age where relevant.
- Localization: Bahasa-specific safety lexicons and policies.
- Auditability: Prompt/output logs, admin controls, and incident reports on request.
- Compliance switches: Ability to disable features by market; clear data processing terms.
- Support and SLAs: 24/7 abuse/takedown channel, named contacts, and response time commitments.
Policy updates you should push live this week
- Zero tolerance: Prohibit sexualized edits, non-consensual likeness changes, and deceptive AI imagery.
- Disclosure: Require clear labeling of any AI-generated visuals used in campaigns.
- Rights management: Written consent for any image manipulation involving real people; store proof.
- Enforcement: Spell out consequences for employees, creators, and vendors who violate policy.
Crisis response playbook (fast, simple, repeatable)
- Detect and document: Capture URLs, timestamps, and source accounts. Don't reshare the content.
- Takedown: File urgent requests with X and, if needed, report to the ministry's content channel: aduankonten.id.
- Notify stakeholders: Brief legal, security, HR, and executive comms within the hour.
- Support the victim: Private outreach first. Offer assistance and a path to legal recourse.
- Hold statement (template): "We do not create or authorize AI-manipulated imagery. We're working with the platform and authorities to remove the content and protect those affected."
If your brand or talent is targeted
- Report the content on X and submit a complaint via aduankonten.id.
- Preserve evidence: screenshots, URLs, and account handles.
- Coordinate with counsel on potential filings under Articles 172 and 407.
- Prepare a concise, victim-focused statement and a Q&A for media and partners.
Context from the ministry
Officials stressed that PSEs (platforms and service providers) must prevent misuse and respond quickly to privacy violations. Failure to comply with Indonesian regulations may lead to administrative sanctions, including suspending Grok AI services and, if necessary, the broader X platform.
For reference and public updates, see the ministry's site: kominfo.go.id.
Level up team readiness
If your comms and marketing teams use AI tools, invest in clear guardrails and practical training. A focused certification pathway can help set standards across regions and vendors.
Useful starting point: AI Certification for Marketing Specialists.
Bottom line: Treat AI image edits as high-risk in Indonesia. Tighten controls, document consent, and get your takedown and messaging playbook ready before you need it.
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