6:29 pm - April 29, 2025
The Canadian Privacy Commissioner launches an investigation into X following allegations of improper use of personal data for AI training.
Elon Musk’s social media platform X is being investigated by Canada’s privacy commissioner over allegations that it is using personal data from Canadians to train AI models, which may contravene national privacy laws.
The Canadian Privacy Commissioner announced the investigation on Thursday, highlighting concerns regarding the potential violations of the federal Privacy Act. In its statement, the office emphasised that the investigation would specifically examine the collection, use and disclosure of personal data by X for AI training purposes. However, officials have not disclosed the specific details or nature of the complaint that triggered this investigation.
The investigation stems from a complaint filed on Tuesday by Brian Masse, a Member of Parliament representing the New Democratic Party. In a statement shared via Instagram, Masse expressed his concerns regarding the significant amounts of personal data that X presumably possesses from Canadian users, including MPs. “Elon Musk has significant data from our MPs and Canadians,” he said. “That is why this investigation into how our national security might be at risk is so important.”
The investigation reflects ongoing global discussions around data privacy and protection, especially concerning large tech companies managing vast amounts of personal information.
As the investigation progresses, the Canadian Privacy Commissioner’s office will likely scrutinise the practices and policies that X has in place concerning user data management. The outcome may influence lingering debates surrounding the ethical use of personal data in AI development on a broader scale.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.investing.com/news/economy-news/canadas-privacy-watchdog-opens-investigation-into-x-following-complaint-3898334 – This article corroborates the launch of an investigation by Canada’s privacy watchdog into X’s use of Canadians’ personal data for training AI models, highlighting concerns about compliance with federal privacy laws.
- https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/opc-news/news-and-announcements/2025/nr-c_250227/ – This news release from the Privacy Commissioner of Canada confirms the initiation of an investigation into X following a complaint, focusing on the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data for AI training.
- https://economictimes.com/tech/technology/canada-watchdog-probing-xs-use-of-personal-data-in-ai-models-training/articleshow/118616556.cms – This article supports the claim that the investigation is centered around X’s use of personal data for AI model training and mentions the involvement of Brian Masse, a New Democratic Party lawmaker.
- https://www.investing.com/news/economy-news/canadas-privacy-watchdog-opens-investigation-into-x-following-complaint-3898334 – It also mentions the broader context of increased tensions between Canada and the U.S. over digital services taxes and trade issues.
- https://economictimes.com/tech/technology/canada-watchdog-probing-xs-use-of-personal-data-in-ai-models-training/articleshow/118616556.cms – This article highlights the significance of the investigation in the context of global discussions on data privacy and the ethical use of personal data in AI development.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative mentions a recent investigation launched by the Canadian Privacy Commissioner, indicating that the information is current and not recycled from older sources.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote from Brian Masse is mentioned, but no specific online source is provided for verification. However, the context suggests it is a recent statement related to the investigation.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable news outlet, Der Standard, which generally provides reliable information. However, the specific details of the complaint are not disclosed.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the investigation and concerns over data privacy are plausible given the current global context of data protection issues.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and relevant, with a plausible context that aligns with ongoing global discussions on data privacy. The source is generally reliable, though some details remain undisclosed.
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