Musk says X will not use users' private data to train its AI models

Amid a report of X (formerly Twitter) preparing to collect user data, X's owner Elon Musk has clarified that the company is not going to do so to train its machine learning and artificial intelligence models. However, Musk said that the micro-blogging platform will use “just public data, not direct messages (DMs) or anything private”.

Musk reacted after X updated its privacy policy where the company has been seeking permission from users to start collecting their biometric data and employment history.

When an X user posted that the updated privacy policy has added a mention of using X data to train AI models, Musk responded this is not correct.

Musk replied that the company will use “just public data, not direct messages (DMs) or anything private”.

The company has updated its privacy policy to include carve-outs for “biometric information” and “employment history”.

The updated privacy policy says, “Based on your consent, we may collect and use your biometric information for safety, security, and identification purposes”.

The company explained that it may collect and use personal information like user’s employment history, educational history, employment preferences, skills and abilities, job search activity and engagement etc. “to recommend potential jobs for you, to share with potential employers when you apply for a job, to enable employers to find potential candidates, and to show you more relevant advertising”.

The new X privacy policy will go into effect from September 29.