X is updating its privacy policy with new language that allows it to provide users’ data to third-party “collaborators” to train AI models. The new policy, which will go into effect on November 15, 2024, would seem to open the door to Reddit-like arrangements, in which outside companies can pay to license data from X.
The updated policy shared by X includes a new section titled “Third-Party Collaborators.”
While the policy mentions the ability to opt out, it’s unclear how users would actually do so. As TechCrunch notes, the policy points to users’ settings menus, but there doesn’t appear to be any controls to opt out of data sharing. However, the policy won’t go into effect until next month, so there’s still a chance that this could change. X did not respond to a request for comment.
If X begins licensing its data to other companies, it could open up a significant new revenue stream for the social media company, which has seen declining interest from major advertisers.
In addition to the privacy policy, X is also updating its terms of service, which include tougher penalties for entities that are caught “scraping” large numbers of tweets. In a section titled “Liquidated Damages,” the company said anyone viewing or accessing more than one million posts in a day would be fined $15,000.
X owner Elon Musk has previously spoken out against “scraping.” Last year, the company temporarily blocked people from viewing tweets when logged out, a move Musk attributed to deterring scrapers.
He also moved X’s API behind a paywall, which has significantly hindered researchers’ ability to study what’s happening on the platform. They’ve also used allegations of “scraping” to justify lawsuits against organizations that attempt to study hate speech and other issues on the platform.
After CES and ahead of Samsung’s Unpacked, the Engadget crew had a quick chance to catch its breath this week. But we took a look at the deal machine to see which tech sales are worth your money. Right now, we’re seeing some good Apple deals — one on the latest iPad mini and another on the new 15-inch MacBook Air — as well as a first-time discount on the Kindle Colorsoft ereader.
There are a few discounts on Bluetooth trackers that will help you keep track of your keys and bag. And Best Buy is still running a promotion for three free months of Apple TV+ so you can start watching the recently released season two of Severance. Here are this week’s best tech deals you can still get today.