X Updates Terms to Prohibit AI Model Training Using Platform Content

X Updates Terms to Prohibit AI Model Training Using Platform Content

Social network X has implemented a significant change to its developer agreement, explicitly forbidding the use of its platform's content for training artificial intelligence models. This update, added under the 'Reverse Engineering and other Restrictions' section, states: "You shall not and you shall not attempt to (or allow others to) [...] use the X API or X Content to fine-tune or train a foundation or frontier model."

Background and Context

This move comes shortly after Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, acquired X in March. The strategic decision to restrict data access is seen as a measure to prevent competitors from leveraging X's vast dataset for free, especially for training large language models (LLMs). Previously, X had updated its privacy policy in 2023 to allow the use of public data for AI model training. Further changes in October 2024 permitted third parties to train their models using X's data.

Industry Trends in AI Data Usage

X's new policy aligns with a growing trend among major online platforms to control how their data is used for AI development.

• Reddit: Has also introduced safeguards against AI crawlers to protect its platform from unauthorized data scraping.
• The Browser Company: Recently added a similar clause to the terms of use for its AI-focused browser, Dia, restricting AI model training on its user data.

Implications for AI Development

The restriction by X could have a notable impact on the AI industry, particularly for companies relying on diverse and large-scale datasets for training their models. Access to social media data has been crucial for developing more sophisticated and nuanced AI systems. This change may lead to:

• Increased Costs: Companies may need to negotiate specific data licensing agreements with X, potentially incurring significant costs.
• Data Scarcity: A reduction in available high-quality, real-world conversational data for training.
• Shift in Data Sources: A greater reliance on other data sources or the development of synthetic data.

Previous Policy Changes by X

• September 2023: X updated its privacy policy to permit the use of public data for training AI models.
• October 2024: Further modifications allowed third parties to train their models using posts from the platform.

Author and Publication Details

The article was authored by Ivan Mehta, a global consumer tech reporter for TechCrunch, based in India. He has previously contributed to publications like Huffington Post and The Next Web.

Related Topics and Keywords

• Broad Categories: AI, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, GenAI, AI Policy
• Specific Tech Tags: AI Models, LLMs, X API, Data Training, Social Media AI, AI Policy, Foundation Models, Frontier Models, Elon Musk, xAI, X Corp, Twitter, AI Development, Data Privacy, Content Moderation, AI Ethics, Tech Policy, AI Regulation, Social Media Data, AI Training Data, Large Language Models.

Image and Media

The article features the TechCrunch desktop and mobile logos, as well as social sharing icons for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, and email. A featured image depicts a pattern of the Twitter X logo with Elon Musk's face. The author's profile picture is also included.

Event Promotion

The article also includes a promotional block for "TechCrunch All-Stage 2025" in Boston, highlighting founder and VC networking opportunities, with a call to action to "Register Now."

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This comprehensive update from X signifies a major shift in how social media platforms are managing their data in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence development.