X users revolt over new terms that allow AI training on posts

X’s new terms of service spark controversy: The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has updated its terms of service, granting itself broad rights to use user-generated content for AI training, raising concerns among users and privacy advocates.

Key changes to data usage: X’s updated terms, effective November 15, 2024, allow the platform to use all user-submitted content for various purposes, including training machine learning and AI models.

• Users automatically grant X a “worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license” to make their content available globally by continuing to use the platform.
• The new terms explicitly mention the use of user content for training AI models, both generative and other types.
• Previously, users could opt out of data sharing for AI training through settings, but it’s unclear if this option will remain under the new terms.

User concerns and reactions: The updated terms have sparked widespread concern among X users, particularly those in creative fields and individuals worried about privacy.

• Artists and creative professionals fear their work could be used to train AI systems that might eventually replace human creators.
• Some users have expressed worry about personal information in their tweets being used for AI training purposes.
• Reports indicate that some users have begun deleting photographs of themselves from their feeds in response to the changes.

Legal implications: X’s updated terms also include changes to the legal jurisdiction for dispute resolution, potentially impacting users’ ability to challenge the platform’s decisions.

• All disputes related to the terms will be brought to the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas or state courts in Tarrant County, Texas.
• This jurisdiction is notably over 100 miles away from X’s new headquarters outside of Austin, Texas.
• The chosen court is known to be favored by conservative activists and is already presiding over two lawsuits involving X.

Broader context of AI and data usage: X’s move reflects a growing trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly using user-generated content to train AI models.

• Other major tech companies like Google and Microsoft have faced similar scrutiny for their AI tools and data usage practices.
• The controversy surrounding X’s AI chatbot, Grok, including instances of spreading misinformation and generating inappropriate content, highlights the ongoing challenges in AI development and deployment.

Industry perspective: While broad content licensing is not uncommon for social media platforms, X’s approach stands out for its explicit language regarding AI usage.

• Alex Fink, CEO of Otherweb, notes that X’s new terms “remove any ambiguity” compared to other platforms that may not clearly state their intentions for data usage.
• The updated terms do not differentiate between private and public accounts, potentially expanding the scope of content available for AI training.

Unresolved questions: Several key issues remain unclear as X implements these changes, leaving users and industry observers with unanswered questions.

• It’s uncertain whether users will retain the ability to opt out of data sharing for AI training, despite the new terms.
• The full extent of how X plans to use user-generated content for AI training and development is not yet known.
• The long-term implications of these changes for user privacy, content ownership, and the evolving landscape of AI and social media remain to be seen.

Balancing innovation and user rights: As X moves forward with its AI ambitions, the platform faces the challenge of balancing technological advancement with user privacy and content ownership concerns.