Manila: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Friday ordered the takedown of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok in the Philippines due to several lapses in regulating content, particularly of nonconsensual illicit deepfakes of women and minors.

According to Philippines News Agency, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) chief Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso requested that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) block and take down access to Grok within 24 hours. The takedown request is in accordance with Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act to safeguard the public from being exploited through Grok's ability to 'manipulate content, produce sexually explicit materials, and generate deepfakes of real individuals without their consent.'

Aguda emphasized the urgency of the action, stating that the directive was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s mandate for swift action in situations where public harm is evident. The President has highlighted the need for proactive measures in such cases. Aguda also noted that Grok would remain inactive until it can adhere to the Philippines' internet fair use policy.

Paraiso, on his part, underscored the risks associated with Grok's capabilities in generating pornographic content, especially child pornography, which has led to its prohibition in other countries. He pointed out the accessibility of Grok, even to minors, which poses significant concerns.

To date, Grok has been banned in several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union.