This is the new MLex platform. Existing customers should continue to use the existing MLex platform until migrated.
For any queries, please contact Customer Services or your Account Manager. Dismiss

X’s Grok deepfake controversy exposes fragmented global online safety enforcement

By Patricia Figueiredo, Henrique Santiago and Sara Brandstätter ( January 16, 2026, 15:12 GMT | Comment) -- The outcry over the use of X’s Grok chatbot to create sexualized deepfakes has provided a global stress-test of online safety laws and highlighted how national legal frameworks are shaping different approaches to enforcement of digital platforms. Malaysia and Indonesia blocked the tool, the UK and the EU have taken more gradual steps, while authorities in the US, Canada, Brazil and Australia are weighing various different options to regulate the company.X’s chatbot Grok has triggered outrage around the world for being used to generate sexualized images of women and minors without their permission. But the different official responses, from outright bans to potentially lengthy regulatory probes, has also highlighted a fragmented global online safety enforcement driven in many cases by national political concerns. ...

Prepare for tomorrow’s regulatory change, today

MLex identifies risk to business wherever it emerges, with specialist reporters across the globe providing exclusive news and deep-dive analysis on the proposals, probes, enforcement actions and rulings that matter to your organization and clients, now and in the longer term.


Know what others in the room don’t, with features including:

  • Daily newsletters for Antitrust, M&A, Trade, Data Privacy & Security, Technology, AI and more
  • Custom alerts on specific filters including geographies, industries, topics and companies to suit your practice needs
  • Predictive analysis from expert journalists across North America, the UK and Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific
  • Curated case files bringing together news, analysis and source documents in a single timeline

Experience MLex today with a 14-day free trial.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Click here to login