EU user data for AI training: Ireland's data protectionists sue Twitter/X

Ireland's data protection authority DPC is taking Twitter International Unlimited Company, the operating company behind the social network X (formerly Twitter), to court over data protection concerns. The bone of contention is that X allegedly collected and used data from EU users to train the AI Grok without being asked. In their lawsuit filed with the Irish High Court on Tuesday, the data protectionists are requesting that the use of this personal data be prohibited, suspended or at least restricted.

According to a report in the Irish Times, X has failed to comply with its data protection obligations under the GDPR. The launch of the next version of Grok planned for August - presumably with EU user data in the training material used - is also a cause for concern for the watchdogs. The social network has rejected the request to stop processing personal data or at least postpone the release of the next version of Grok.

X finds procedure "unjustified"

X had introduced workarounds such as an opt-out mechanism, which did not exist at the start of data collection. However, the processing of the data of a large number of users had continued and was still continuing without the timely and effective protection required by the GDPR being guaranteed. Because the situation is urgent, the data protectionists have decided to go to court. They also want to submit the case to the European Data Protection Committee for review. The DPC is in charge of this case because X has its EU headquarters in Ireland.

X spokespersons rejected the allegations. "The order sought by the Irish DPC is unjustified, overly broad and singles out X without any justification," reads a tweet from the company's "Global Government Affairs Team". Ultimately, the court order would extend not only to Grok, but to all AI models used by X/Twitter. This could affect the ability to ensure security on the platform and also the ability to offer X in the EU at all. In addition, X has cooperated fully transparently with the supervisory authorities since the end of 2023, informed users about the use of data for AI training and created control options over its own data.

Meta has already fallen flat on its face

In September 2023 , X introduced the amended data protection guidelines, in which the company allows itself to use user data for AI training. However, the opt-out option only became known in July. In the browser view, you can find it after logging in via the drop-down menu under "More" under Settings and privacy > Privacy and security > Grok. Alternatively, click on this link.

Previously, competitor Meta also wanted to collect data for AI training in the EU by default, but did not get away with it. After protests, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) put a stop to the whole thing. Meta does not intend to offer new AI models in the EU for the time being.

(axk)