Data Regulator Launches Investigation into X’s Use of European User Data for AI Training

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has opened an investigation into the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Specifically, they are zeroing in on X’s recent decision to automatically enroll users into data sharing with xAI, the artificial intelligence company Elon Musk founded. This investigation specifically looks at how X uses personal information about European users. The ultimate aim appears to be training Grok, their recently created generative AI model.

X, purchased by Elon Musk’s xAI, has faced intense criticism for its user data practices. The DPC’s initiation of a statutory inquiry comes on the heels of its effort last year to secure a court order barring X from using European user data to train its AI systems. This regulatory action is indicative of increasing global scrutiny over data privacy and ensuring adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Under the EU’s GDPR rules, the DPC has the authority to impose fines of up to 4% of a company’s global revenue for violations. This isn’t the first time X has been handed fines from the DPC. Intimidation tactics The regulator hasn’t just slapped 16 tech companies on the wrist for similar conduct, though. Fines against Meta have totaled close to 3 billion euros so far.

With that, the DPC will begin its investigation in earnest. More specifically, it will look at how X is processing personal data and the publicly available data, such as public posts from users in Europe. If not, whether users were adequately notified that their data would be shared. We’ll take a look at how their privacy is affected by this sharing.

As a large language model, Grok draws from extensive data sources to generate human-like text and responses. Because of this, the ethical implications around its training are key, especially when taking into account personal data from European users. DPC’s inquiry to hold X accountable to user privacy Although welcomed, the DPC’s current inquiry is not enough in itself.

As this investigation continues, we look forward to seeing what the DPC will accomplish in holding X accountable. We want to know what penalties may result from the improper use of user data. The relentless pressure has served to remind everyone that regulators are watching big tech like a hawk. They’re especially worried about how these companies use personal information as data-driven technologies outpace existing protections.