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If you are an X user who creates detailed threads, expresses political opinions, runs fan accounts, or shares humorous memes, you might be surprised to learn that your posts are being used to train Grok AI, a chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI. This is happening even if you did not explicitly consent to it.
Recently, several users discovered that a new default setting on X allows their posts to be used to train and refine Grok AI. By default, the checkbox stating you “allow your posts as well as your interactions, inputs and results with Grok to be used for training and fine-tuning” is already selected.
AI chatbots like Grok and ChatGPT typically process vast amounts of data scraped from the internet to enhance their accuracy and performance. However, this practice has been met with criticism from news publishers, artists, and intellectual property (IP) holders who argue that it may infringe on copyright laws.
Regulatory Attention and Concerns
The default data-sharing setting on X has drawn scrutiny from data regulators in the European Union (EU) and the UK. They argue that it may contravene data protection regulations in these regions.
According to a report by The Guardian, the UK’s data regulation prohibits companies from using “pre-ticked boxes” or “any other method of default consent.” A spokesperson from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) emphasized that platforms must be transparent about using user data for AI training. They must notify users in advance and provide a straightforward process for users to object. The ICO is currently “making inquiries” with X regarding this matter.
Similarly, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) expressed surprise at X’s attempt to use user data for AI training and is reportedly following up with the company.
How to Opt Out of AI Training
If you prefer not to have your posts or interactions on X used for AI training, you can opt out by following these steps:
- Log in to X on the web version of the platform.
- Go to Settings and Privacy > Privacy and Safety > Grok.
- Uncheck the Data Sharing box.
- Delete your conversation history.
The option to opt out is currently available only on the web version but is expected to be rolled out for the mobile app soon.
Similar Issues on Other Platforms
This issue with X comes on the heels of Meta’s controversy regarding its data usage policies. Meta faced backlash for initially planning to use public posts from WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook users to train its AI model without explicit consent. Following regulatory pressure, Meta later stated that it would not proceed with this policy in the EU and UK.
As data privacy concerns continue to grow, users and regulators alike are closely watching how tech companies handle the use of personal data for AI training.
