Social network X has halted the criticized practice of using personal data from its European users to train its artificial intelligence program, according to a statement from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC).
The Commission, representing the European Union (EU), expressed its approval of “the agreement with X to suspend its use of the personal data of its European users” for the purpose of “training its Grok artificial intelligence,” as stated by the agency on Thursday.
The social media platform owned by billionaire Elon Musk allegedly used the personal data of its European users from May 7 to August 1, according to the DPC, which has pursued legal action in Irish courts for violating EU data protection laws.
“We will continue to collaborate with the DPC on Grok and other AI-related matters, as we have been doing since last year,” the social network X stated in a press release on Friday.
“We will continue to collaborate with the DPC on Grok and other AI-related matters, as we have been doing since last year,” the social network X reported in a statement on Friday. | Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
In June, Meta was forced to suspend its project of utilizing users’ personal data in an artificial intelligence initiative after receiving complaints from eleven European countries.
The Noyb association, a constant critic of tech giants, urged authorities to intervene “urgently” to stop the implementation of Meta’s new privacy policy, accusing the company of intending to use data collected from its billions of users since 2007 for an “experimental AI technology without limits.”
Apple makes significant decision impacting users of Mac computers
Apple has removed the Twitter app (previously known as X) from the App Store for Mac computers, although the service remains operational on devices that already have it installed.
Users of Apple devices have reported that when attempting to search for the social network’s app in the App Store for Mac, the link appears disabled and does not fully load. This blockage has also been confirmed by Europa Press but does not affect those who have already downloaded the app, with users sharing on X that they can still access it on their computers.
Conversely, some users have warned on forums like Reddit not to try downloading the iOS version of X on a Mac as an alternative, as the app ceases to function as soon as one logs in.
Apple has not yet issued a statement on the issue and has kept the app’s download pages available in its official store for iOS and iPadOS devices.
It is worth noting that recently, billionaire Elon Musk announced that “all the base systems” of the platform (formerly Twitter) are “now active” under the domain X.com, officially establishing its new identity.
Apple has not yet issued a statement on the issue and has kept the app’s download pages available in its official store for iOS and iPadOS devices. | Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Social Network X Suspends Use of Personal Data for AI Training in Europe
In a significant development concerning data privacy and artificial intelligence, social network X has announced the suspension of its controversial practice of using personal data from its European users to train its artificial intelligence program, Grok. This decision comes as a response to the ongoing scrutiny and enforcement of strict data protection regulations established by the European Union (EU).
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is responsible for enforcing data protection laws within the EU, expressed its approval of the agreement with X. The DPC noted, “the agreement with X to suspend its use of the personal data of European users” marks a crucial step in adhering to EU privacy standards. This move was officially communicated in a statement released on Thursday.
According to the DPC, X utilized the personal data of its European users from May 7 to August 1, which constituted a breach of EU data protection rules. The commission took the matter to the Irish courts, emphasizing the need to uphold the privacy rights of users in the digital landscape.
X’s Commitment to Collaboration with DPC
In response to the suspension, social network X released a statement reaffirming its commitment to work with the DPC on Grok and related AI initiatives. “We will continue to work with the DPC on Grok and other AI-related topics, as we have been doing since last year,” X declared on Friday. This collaboration aims to ensure that the development of artificial intelligence aligns with the principles of data protection.
Meta’s AI Project Suspension
Interestingly, X is not the only tech giant facing challenges regarding the use of user data for AI projects. In June, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also had to suspend its plans to employ users’ personal data in an AI program. This decision followed complaints from users across eleven European nations, showcasing the growing scrutiny on tech companies’ data handling practices.
The Noyb association, known for its advocacy in privacy matters, further urged authorities to intervene. They accused Meta of attempting to utilize data from billions of users collected since 2007 to power an “experimental AI technology without limits,” raising alarms about the ethical implications of such practices.
Apple’s Disabling of X App on Mac
In a related note within the tech sphere, Apple has taken a drastic step by disabling the X app on the App Store for Mac computers. Users have reported that when searching for the app in the Mac App Store, the link appears disabled and fails to load. Despite this, users who previously downloaded the application can still access it on their Macs.
Discussions on forums like Reddit suggest that users should avoid trying to download the iOS version of the X app on Mac, as it ceases to function upon login. As of now, Apple has not released an official statement regarding the disablement, leaving many users speculating about the reasons behind this action.
Current Trends in Data Privacy and AI
The suspension of data usage by X, along with Meta’s prior actions, signals a broader trend within the tech industry concerning data privacy and artificial intelligence. With increasing regulatory pressure from the EU and similar bodies worldwide, companies are now compelled to rethink their data policies.
Benefits of Data Privacy Compliance
1. **Enhanced User Trust**: Transparent data practices foster trust among users, attracting more individuals to the platform.
2. **Regulatory Alignment**: Compliance minimizes the risk of costly fines and legal challenges associated with data breaches.
3. **Sustainable Practices**: Ethical data usage will lead to more sustainable AI development, ensuring that technological advancements benefit society.
Practical Tips for Safeguarding Your Data Online
- Regularly Update Privacy Settings: Ensure that your privacy settings on social networks are aligned with your comfort level.
- Be Cautious with Permissions: Only grant permissions to apps and websites that you trust.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest data privacy regulations and company policies regarding data use.
| Company | Action Taken | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Social Network X | Suspended use of EU user data for AI training | May 7 – August 1 |
| Meta | Suspended project using user data for AI | June 2023 |
| Apple | Disabled X app on Mac App Store | Ongoing |
Case Studies and User Experiences
Several users have reported varied experiences with the suspension of the X app on different devices. While some are frustrated with the inability to download the app on newer devices, others appreciate maintaining access to the service they have come to rely on. The importance of user feedback in shaping data policies cannot be overlooked.
Furthermore, reports highlight the significant cultural impact that privacy decisions have not only on user experience but also on public perception of the companies involved. Social network X, under Elon Musk’s leadership, is actively navigating the complexities of data privacy while attempting to innovate in artificial intelligence.
