X's New Privacy Policy: User Data to Fuel AI Training Amid Controversy
October 18, 2024The platform's return is particularly timely as Brazil approaches important local elections in October.
Additionally, X announced a policy change allowing third parties to access user data for AI training, effective November 15, 2024, although the opt-out process remains unclear.
These developments reflect a growing public awareness and frustration regarding data privacy and corporate practices, as users express concerns over how their data is managed.
Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court's enforcement of orders strengthens its position to act against X in case of future violations.
In its communications, X has emphasized its commitment to defending free speech within legal boundaries, despite the controversies surrounding its operations.
During the suspension, many users migrated to alternative platforms like Bluesky and Threads, with Bluesky reporting significant growth in Brazil.
X briefly resumed operations on September 18, 2024, through a technical workaround, although the judge imposed further fines for non-compliance with earlier court orders.
In a bid to monetize user data, X has updated its terms of service to impose a $15,000 fine for scraping large amounts of tweets, indicating a strategy to limit bot activity.
This situation arises as X seeks new revenue sources amid challenges from advertiser withdrawals and a struggling subscription model.
Despite Musk's criticisms, X ultimately complied with various court demands, including the appointment of a legal representative in Brazil and blocking certain accounts.
X, formerly known as Twitter, faced a significant blockade in Brazil starting August 30, 2024, due to disputes over free speech and misinformation, impacting its estimated 20 to 40 million users in the country.
The blockade was a result of X's failure to comply with court orders, leading to Elon Musk publicly criticizing Brazilian Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes as authoritarian.
Summary based on 61 sources
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Sources
The Washington Post • Oct 15, 2024
Five ways to stop companies from using your data in new waysThe Indian Express • Oct 18, 2024
Elon Musk-led X updates privacy policy, to let third-party AI train on user posts