X's New Privacy Policy: User Data to Fuel AI Training Amid Controversy

October 18, 2024
X's New Privacy Policy: User Data to Fuel AI Training Amid Controversy
  • The 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


Get a daily email with more Tech stories

More Stories