TLDR: Key Points
- X, owned by Elon Musk, has agreed to suspend data collection in the EU.
- After a court hearing in Ireland, the Data Protection Commission ruled for the suspension.
Elon Musk’s X Suspends Data Collection for AI Training, EU Watchdog Says
After proceedings in an Irish court on Aug. 7, it was determined that X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk, would suspend the collection and processing of user data in the European Union. The Data Protection Commission (DPC) stated that the suspension of processing personal data of EU users is a result of an undertaking by X to the Irish High Court. This decision came after reports of X’s misuse of EU user data.
The ruling covers the data of users within the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA), and is a response to concerns regarding the platform’s compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation. The DPC expressed that the suspension of services was welcomed, as it demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of X users across the EU and EEA.
Elon Musk acquired X in October 2022 and has since made significant investments in the platform’s AI integration. However, this move has led to increased scrutiny from regulators, with the EU releasing documents supporting findings of X breaching the Digital Services Act.
Musk has been vocal in his opposition to the EU’s actions, claiming that the European Commission offered X an “illegal secret deal” that would suppress free speech. The platform now faces potential fines and ongoing investigations regarding its data practices.