X’s new terms of service raise concerns over user data and AI training

X, formerly known as Twitter, is set to implement new terms of service that have sparked widespread debate and concern. The changes, effective from 15th November, will permit the platform to utilise user-generated content to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. This update has generated significant anxiety among users, particularly creative professionals, about the potential implications for their work and personal data.

The revised terms stipulate that by posting content on X, users grant the platform a worldwide, non-exclusive, and royalty-free licence to use their data, among other things, for training generative AI models. This clause has raised alarms among artists and creatives, who are apprehensive about their original works being incorporated into algorithms that might ultimately undercut human creativity.

Moreover, there is a pervasive fear that personal information, such as photos and other sensitive details, could be exploited for machine learning purposes. In response, some users have already begun removing personal content from their profiles to safeguard their privacy.

This decision has also hit a nerve from a legal standpoint. Users who object to the new terms might find themselves entangled in legal proceedings in specific Texan courts, notably the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas or state courts in Tarrant County. These venues, notably over 100 miles from X’s headquarters in Austin, Texas, are known for siding with conservative activists, adding another layer of complexity for those wishing to challenge the terms.

Previously, X allowed users more straightforward options to decline the use of their data for AI training through privacy settings. However, the clarity over the ability to opt-out under the new terms remains ambiguous. The revised legal language does not seem to differentiate between public and private accounts, leaving users uncertain about their control over personal data.

The impending changes come amidst wider scrutiny of AI practices by major tech firms. X’s chatbot, Grok, has already faced backlash for disseminating misinformation and generating harmful imagery. This incident mirrors broader concerns faced by companies like Google and Microsoft over their AI tools.

Industry experts note that while broad licensing terms are typical for social media platforms, the explicit nature of X’s new policy has attracted particular attention. Alex Fink, CEO of Otherweb, commented, “X’s terms cut through the ambiguity; all of a sudden, you have clarity on what the company intends to do with this data and train it on for AI.”

As the November deadline approaches, uncertainty lingers over the extent of user control regarding data usage. Historically, legal terms have afforded companies extensive rights which may not always be enforced to their full extent, but whether X users will retain any opt-out power remains to be seen. The outcome will likely dictate how the platform navigates its ambitious AI plans alongside mounting user apprehensions.

Source: Noah Wire Services