Recently, many e-commerce sellers and affiliates in Malaysia noticed that Grok, an AI tool linked to X (formerly Twitter), is no longer accessible. The change did not come with much warning, but it follows an announcement and regulatory action involving the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

For sellers and affiliates who rely on AI tools for marketing content, this development raises an important question: what happened, and how does it affect day-to-day operations?

What Happened to Grok AI in Malaysia?

MCMC has confirmed that regulatory action was taken in relation to Grok, following concerns around content and compliance. As a result, access to the AI tool has been restricted for users in Malaysia.

The announcement was not directed specifically at e-commerce sellers or affiliates. However, Grok had already been widely used in the industry, especially for day-to-day marketing work such as:

• Writing marketing ideas and captions

• Generating AI visuals and creative concepts

• Getting inspiration for short-form videos and affiliate content

Because of this, the restriction was quickly felt among sellers and affiliates who had already integrated Grok into their content workflow.

 

What This Means for E-Commerce Sellers and Affiliates in Malaysia

The restriction on Grok does not mean AI tools are no longer allowed for e-commerce use. Sellers and affiliates can still use AI, but this situation highlights an important reality: access to AI tools depends on regulations and platform policies.

For sellers and affiliates, this means:

• Relying on a single AI tool carries risk

• Content workflows need to remain flexible

• Responsibility always stays with the seller or affiliate, not the AI tool

AI can help speed up content creation, but it does not take responsibility when issues arise.

Marketplace Rules Still Apply, Even With AI Content

Whether content is created manually or with AI assistance, marketplace rules do not change. Platforms such as Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Lazada require that all product listings and marketing materials accurately represent what buyers will receive.

If AI-generated content results in:

• Product mismatches

• Buyer disputes

• Refunds or return requests

• Violations of platform policies

Enforcement actions will still be applied to the seller or affiliate account. Using AI does not change how platforms assess or handle these cases.

This is why sellers and affiliates need to be especially careful when AI-generated visuals or videos enhance features, colours, or accessories that the real product does not actually have.

Other AI Tools E-Commerce Sellers and Affiliates Can Use

With Grok banned by MCMC, many e-commerce sellers and affiliates in Malaysia may be wondering what AI tools they can use instead. The good news is that other AI tools are still available, but they need to be used carefully and responsibly.

Video Content Alternatives
If you previously relied on Grok for video scripts or motion elements, you can explore tools like:

• Google Flow – great for generating ideas or visual storyboards.

• Sora AI – useful for creating motion elements or simple animations.

• Meta AI – helps with background visuals and creative concepts.

Remember: AI should support your storytelling, not replace real product demos. Buyers still want to see your actual product in action.

Image and Visual Alternatives
For product visuals, layout ideas, or light design enhancements, try:

• ImageFX – helps with image composition and background adjustments.

• Gemini – good for mockups and concept visuals.

• ChatGPT – useful for text prompts, layout ideas, or generating descriptive content.

Always make sure the final visuals match the real product in colour, size, and included items.

What E-Commerce Sellers and Affiliates in Malaysia Should Do Next

Rather than a shutdown of AI usage, the Grok restriction serves as a reminder of how quickly tools and access can change.

Practical steps sellers and affiliates should take include:

• Avoid depending on a single AI tool for core content workflows

• Keep original product photos and videos as reference points

• Review all AI-generated content carefully before posting

• Make sure marketing visuals accurately reflect the product buyers will receive

AI remains useful in e-commerce, but accuracy, transparency, and compliance still come first especially when seller and affiliate accounts are at stake.

Streamline Your E-Commerce Workflow with BigSeller

For sellers looking to simplify their workflow, BigSeller provides everything you need in one place. Designed specifically for Southeast Asian sellers, BigSeller is a free, user-friendly, and highly automated ERP that covers product sourcing and migration, multi-platform listing, order fulfillment, inventory management, marketing tools, and financial reporting. With seamless integration across platforms like Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, Shopify, and more, sellers can manage all their stores efficiently without juggling multiple systems.

Since its launch in 2019, BigSeller has become a trusted choice for thousands of sellers and has been recognised as a Shopee Preferred Partner and an Officially Recommended ERP by TikTok. Its automation tools, real-time stock updates, and multi-channel reporting help sellers save time, reduce errors, and focus on growing their business.

Whether you want to prevent overselling, speed up order processing, or gain deeper insights into your sales and inventory, BigSeller equips you with the tools to run your e-commerce business more efficiently.

Experience how easy multi-channel e-commerce management can be, explore BigSeller for free today and see how it can transform your workflow.

This article references the recent MCMC press release: “X FAILS TO IMPLEMENT SAFEGUARDS, MCMC ORDERS TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON GROK”