Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is currently under investigation in Austria for a possible violation of data privacy laws. The Austrian privacy group “None of Your Business” (NOYB), headed by Max Schrems, has filed a complaint claiming that X used EU users’ data to train AI without their consent.
The following complaint of NOYB shows that X used and processed personal data from May 7, 2024, to August 1, 2024, to train an AI model without informing users or seeking their consent, which is unlawful under GDPR. The group calls on Austrian authorities to apply the EU’s data protection laws.
It is also important to note that, X’s main EU regulator, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), has also sued the platform. The DPC wants an injunction to stop X from using user data for AI training as this is against GDPR laws. This action is in line with other European initiatives to rein in the data practices of the technology giants.
Pressure from the law finally built up to August 8 when X agreed to pause using European user data for AI training for the time being. The platform conveyed this decision to the Irish High Court. However, there are still questions about what will happen to the data that was collected before such policies were put in place.
It has also filed complaints against X in Belgium and France and continues to seek more strict compliance with data privacy laws. This pressure comes after the DPC forced Meta to cease AI operations in Europe over similar issues.
Elon Musk is to meet the U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on X Spaces and the platform’s legal issues are also adding more drama. The results of these investigations may influence further development of AI regulation in the EU and affect technology companies in the region.
Also Read: Irish DPC Sues Elon Musk’s X Over EU Data Violations
