X has settled its legal dispute with the European Data Protection Commission by agreeing to discontinue AI data collection practices and erase user data.
The European Union’s investigation into the social media platform X has concluded after the platform agreed to comply with the European Data Protection Commission’s (DPC) requirements.
On September 4, X committed to stop the use of personal data from users in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) to train its AI chatbot Grok.
Erasing EU User Data
A court mandated that Twitter International, which operates X, permanently adhere to data collection limitations.
X also agreed to erase previously gathered data from May 7 to August 1 and refrain from using user data for Grok’s development, enhancement, or training.
The DPC filed the original complaint, arguing that X’s practices posed a threat to the “fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.”
This marked the first instance where the DPC invoked its powers under Section 134 of the 2018 Data Protection Act.
DPC Commissioner Des Hogan expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, stating it “protects the rights of EU and EEA citizens.” He further emphasized the DPC’s responsibility in safeguarding user data:
“One of our main roles as an independent regulator and rights-based organization is to ensure the best outcome for data subjects and today’s developments will help us to continue protecting the rights and freedoms of X users across the EU and EEA.”
Hogan added, “This action further demonstrates the DPC’s commitment to taking appropriate action where necessary.”
Initially, Twitter International had rejected the DPC’s accusations, insisting that it was already in compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The company called the DPC’s measures “draconian” and claimed they disrupted critical platform functions.
However, since X has agreed to the terms, the case has been dismissed.
X’s Ongoing Global Challenges
X is also facing legal challenges elsewhere. On August 30, regulators in Brazil suspended X after Elon Musk, the platform’s owner, refused to appoint a legal representative for the company in the country.
The Brazilian Supreme Court upheld the suspension on September 2, with five justices ruling unanimously.
Musk has encouraged X users in Brazil to disregard the court’s ruling, advising them to use VPNs to access the platform despite the potential fines.
He has previously criticized Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of being “evil” and a “dictator” for allegedly engaging in “illegal political censorship” on X.
