Social media platforms are constantly evolving, and X (formerly Twitter), one of the most popular social networks, has recently updated its Privacy Policy to allow third-party 'collaborators' to train their AI models on user data, unless users opt out. This change has sparked concerns about data sharing and privacy, especially in an era where AI models are becoming increasingly sophisticated and data-hungry.
At first glance, the update may seem innocuous, as it implies that X is exploring new revenue streams by licensing its data to AI companies, similar to Reddit and other media organizations. However, the fine print reveals a more complex landscape. The addition to the policy explains that users' information may be shared or disclosed with third parties, which can use it for their own purposes, including training AI models.
This raises a pressing question: what exactly does this mean for X users? The company's updated Privacy Policy explains that users can opt out of data sharing, but the settings page is unclear about where users would go to toggle off data-sharing with third parties. It's not until November 15, when the policy becomes effective, that the opt-out option may become available.
Moreover, the updated policy has removed previous language about user data retention times, instead opting for a more vague explanation that data will be kept for different periods depending on its purpose. This lack of transparency can be concerning, especially given the company's recent removal of a paragraph discussing the duration of user data retention.
Another significant change is the addition of a new 'Liquidated Damages' section to X's Terms of Service. This section imposes a hefty fine on organizations that scrape its content, with any requests, views, or accesses of more than 1,000,000 posts in a 24-hour period resulting in a $15,000 USD charge per 1,000,000 posts. This move is likely an attempt to monetize X's data and deter unauthorized scraping.
The update is part of a broader strategy by X to generate new revenue streams, following advertiser withdrawals and boycotts, as well as the lack of success with its subscription feature. While AI companies may be eager to access and train on X's vast user data, the implications for user privacy and data security are far from clear.
As X continues to navigate the complex landscape of data sharing and AI development, it's crucial that users are kept informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their data. Only by balancing the need for innovation and revenue with the need for transparency and user control can social media platforms like X build trust with their users.
