Irish Privacy Watchdog Probes X’s Use of User Data to Train Grok AI
X faces an investigation from Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) because the platform used European users’ personal data to train the Grok AI chatbot. The investigation examines X’s handling of EU users’ publicly accessible posts on its platform to evaluate GDPR compliance.
X must demonstrate lawful data processing for Grok’s large language models (LLMs according to the DPC investigation. AI systems trained with LLMs depend on extensive datasets which include articles together with blogs and posts and various types of online content. The investigation will analyze X’s GDPR compliance through an examination of its transparency practices and consent procedures for personal data handling according to the commission’s statement.
X operates its European headquarters from Dublin which gives the DPC authority to enforce GDPR compliance throughout all 27 EU member states. The watchdog possesses great authority to impose financial penalties reaching as high as €20 million or 4% of a company’s annual worldwide revenue for serious breaches thus creating substantial risks for X.
EU authorities now intensely monitor AI platforms because of increasing data privacy worries related to speedy technological developments. The use of personal information found in public posts raises doubts about their usage for AI training because users did not give explicit consent. The case before the DPC represents a potential benchmark for social media platforms to manage their data practices during the AI age while protecting user rights.
X did not answer questions about its position regarding the ongoing probe. The investigation outcome will affect X’s operations and overall industry practices because regulators are increasing their oversight of AI-driven platforms. The European Data Protection Commission continues to defend personal information through its current investigation into how AI technology affects privacy during the digital transformation.
