Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is now under scrutiny in Austria for potential violations of data privacy laws. The investigation was triggered by the Austrian privacy advocacy group “None of Your Business” (NOYB), led by prominent activist Max Schrems. The group has filed a complaint alleging that X used data from EU users to train artificial intelligence (AI) models without obtaining their consent, a violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The complaint specifically highlights that X processed personal data from May 7, 2024, to August 1, 2024, to train an AI model without properly informing users or securing their consent. This practice, according to NOYB, is unlawful under the stringent data protection laws of the EU, and they are urging Austrian authorities to enforce these regulations.
Compounding the situation, X’s main EU regulator, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), has also taken legal action against the platform. The DPC is seeking an injunction to prevent X from using user data for AI training, arguing that this activity contravenes GDPR standards. This move aligns with broader European efforts to tighten control over the data practices of major tech companies.
In response to mounting legal pressure, X agreed on August 8 to temporarily halt the use of European user data for AI training. The platform communicated this decision to the Irish High Court. However, questions linger regarding the fate of data collected before this policy change was implemented.
NOYB has not only targeted X in Austria but has also filed similar complaints in Belgium and France, continuing its push for stricter enforcement of data privacy laws across the EU. This follows a recent precedent where the DPC forced Meta to cease its AI operations in Europe over similar concerns.
As Elon Musk prepares to meet with U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on X Spaces, the platform’s legal troubles are adding to the drama. The outcome of these investigations could significantly impact the future of AI regulation in the EU and set new standards for technology companies operating within the region.
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