Introduction
X is set to implement substantial revisions to its privacy policy and terms of service, effective November 15, 2024 [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]. These changes primarily focus on the use of user data for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning purposes, raising significant concerns among users and creative professionals about data privacy and the potential implications for their work.
Description
X is implementing significant changes to its privacy policy and terms of service [4], effective November 15, 2024 [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]. The updated policy clarifies the use of user data for AI and machine learning purposes [3], permitting AI bots and third-party collaborators to utilize user information for training AI models [2]. This may include sharing user data with external firms unless users opt out. The revised policy introduces an opt-out option for users [1], although the specific location of this setting remains unclear [1]. This shift aims to create a new revenue stream amid declining advertising income [4], raising concerns among artists and creative professionals about the potential use of their work to train AI systems that could replace human creators [6]. Users are also apprehensive about how their personal information will be handled, prompting some to delete photographs from their accounts [6].
A new clause under “third-party collaborators” allows AI bots to access user data for the development and enhancement of AI models [2]. However, the current settings do not yet reflect this change and lack specific instructions on how to disable data-sharing settings. Users can manage their data-sharing preferences with X’s Grok AI and other business partners in the “Privacy and Safety” section under ‘Data sharing and personalisation.’ To prevent data sharing by default, users will need to adjust their settings accordingly. While it remains uncertain whether an opt-out feature will be introduced [3], the updated policy permits X to license all content on the platform for machine learning and AI purposes without distinguishing between private and public accounts [6]. Experts note that the new terms eliminate ambiguity present in prior policies [6], which had specified that posts from private accounts would not be used for training [6]. The process for opting out of data sharing remains unclear, but the policy suggests that additional options will be introduced once fully activated [7].
X has also modified its data retention policy [1], specifying that different types of information will be stored for varying durations based on legal requirements and safety considerations [1]. Additionally, X has cautioned that deleted content may still be accessible through search engines and external platforms [7]. This update follows previous controversies regarding the use of platform data by Musk’s xAI for training purposes [7], which has attracted regulatory attention from the EU [7]. An investigation by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission scrutinized the use of user data for training Grok but was later closed after X agreed to halt the processing of personal data for users in the EU and EEA. Furthermore, X is intensifying its crackdown on data scraping [2], imposing stricter penalties [5], including a $15,000 fine for scraping one million or more posts within a 24-hour period [2]. These developments highlight the ongoing conflict between data privacy concerns and the increasing demand for AI advancements [7], emphasizing the necessity for transparent user controls and effective regulatory oversight [7].
Conclusion
The impending changes to X’s privacy policy and terms of service underscore the tension between leveraging user data for AI development and maintaining user trust through data privacy. While the updates aim to create new revenue streams [4], they also pose significant challenges, particularly for creative professionals concerned about the use of their work in AI training. The situation calls for clear communication, robust user controls [7], and stringent regulatory oversight to balance innovation with privacy rights.
References
[1] https://science4data.com/elon-musks-x-unveils-new-privacy-policy/
[2] https://winbuzzer.com/2024/10/18/xs-new-privacy-policy-and-tos-allow-ai-bots-to-use-your-data-xcxwbn/
[3] https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20241018-x-privacy-policy-ai-training/
[4] https://fortune.com/2024/10/18/twitter-x-privacy-policy-update-ai-user-data-trump-court/
[5] https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-updates-its-privacy-policy-to-allow-third-parties-to-train-ai-models-with-its-data-234207599.html
[6] https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/21/tech/x-twitter-terms-of-service/index.html
[7] https://thelegalwire.ai/elon-musks-x-updates-privacy-policy-to-allow-ai-training-on-user-data/
