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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CICC to lift access ban on Grok AI after xAI issues safety pledge

CICC to lift access ban on Grok AI after xAI issues safety pledge

Grok AI access to be restored after xAI pledges to block deepfakes, explicit content

Published Jan 21, 2026 01:48 pm
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) will lift the Grok AI ban after xAI commits to blocking deepfakes and explicit content, reinforcing online safety protections in the Philippines. (CICC photo)
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) will lift the Grok AI ban after xAI commits to blocking deepfakes and explicit content, reinforcing online safety protections in the Philippines. (CICC photo)
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) announced on Tuesday, January 21, that it will lift the nationwide access ban on Grok AI following a safety pledge made by its developer, xAI.
In a statement, CICC Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said the decision came after negotiations with xAI, which committed to modifying Grok AI to comply with Philippine laws and cybersecurity standards.
“The Grok AI app has reached out to us and stated that its platform will no longer allow any content manipulation. Even after lifting the ban, the CICC will closely monitor the app to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations in our country,” Paraiso said.
Grok AI ban in PH
The ban was imposed on January 16 after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the CICC flagged the artificial intelligence tool for its ability to generate non-consensual illicit deepfakes and sexually explicit content, raising serious concerns over the safety of women and minors.
Within 24 hours of the government’s request, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) blocked access to Grok AI nationwide.
CICC said xAI has pledged to disable image and content manipulation features that could be used to create deepfakes and to fully exclude pornographic material from the platform, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Paraiso said the agency will strictly enforce compliance with established cybersecurity and online safety protocols.
The CICC and xAI are expected to hold a formal meeting to finalize the terms and timeline for the resumption of Grok AI’s services in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the CICC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the country’s cyberspace, stressing that swift regulatory action will continue against digital platforms that pose risks to public safety, particularly to vulnerable sectors such as women and children.
The CICC is an agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) responsible for combating cybercrime and enhancing online safety. 

Related Tags

Grok AI ban Philippines CICC Grok AI xAI safety pledge AI deepfake regulation Philippines DICT cybersecurity enforcement
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