X Agrees to Halt AI Data Practices Following EU Regulatory Pressure

• EU settles with X: Halts AI data use, ensures EEA privacy compliance.
• X agrees to delete EU user data from May 7 to Aug 1 after DPC legal action.
• DPC to consult EDPB on AI data use, aiming for EU-wide regulatory clarity.

The European Union has resolved its investigation against the social media platform X regarding the misuse of EU citizen data for AI training purposes. The European Data Protection Commission (DPC) announced that X has agreed to halt the use of personal data from users within the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) to train its AI bot, Grok. This agreement marks the conclusion of a legal challenge initiated by the DPC aimed at safeguarding user privacy.

Legal Proceedings and Settlement

The conflict originated when the DPC challenged X’s use of user data for AI development, citing a risk to fundamental rights. The DPC, acting as the Lead Supervisory Authority in the EU/EEA, utilized its enforcement powers under Section 134 of the 2018 Data Protection Act. This proactive stance by the DPC marks a significant step in its ongoing efforts to regulate data usage within AI technologies across Europe.

X, managed by Twitter International, initially contested the allegations, branding the DPC’s directives as excessively restrictive. However, on September 4, the company capitulated, agreeing to permanently cease the contested data processing activities and delete previously gathered data from specific dates. This decision led the Irish High Court to dismiss the proceedings, recognizing X’s commitment to compliance.

Global Regulatory Challenges

The resolution of the EU case against X coincides with broader regulatory challenges the platform faces globally. Notably, X encountered legal hurdles in Brazil, where its operations were suspended following a direct order from the Brazilian Supreme Court. The platform’s owner, Elon Musk, has been vocally critical of the Brazilian judiciary, further complicating the regulatory landscape for X in international markets.

Future Implications for AI and Data Privacy

The DPC has initiated a broader dialogue concerning AI and data privacy in light of the settlement. The Commission requested an opinion from the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) on the complex problems surrounding using personal data in AI development. This project strives to standardize understanding and regulatory approaches across EU member states, ensuring that AI technologies are developed under user privacy and data protection rules.