Ireland Investigates X (Twitter) Grok Data Training | GDPR

Investigation Launched into X’s Data Practices by Irish Regulator

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) of Ireland announced on Friday the commencement of an inquiry concerning Elon Musk’s X platform.

This investigation centers on X’s utilization of personal data gathered from users within Europe to facilitate the development of its Grok AI model.

Focus of the Inquiry

The DPC will be scrutinizing the methods employed by X in processing personal data.

Specifically, the inquiry will examine data “comprised” within publicly available posts originating from European users.

This data is being used for the purpose of training generative AI models, as reported by Reuters.

DPC’s History of Enforcement

Ireland’s privacy regulator has a demonstrated history of issuing substantial fines to major technology companies.

Past penalties have been levied against Microsoft, TikTok, and Meta.

The total fines imposed on Meta alone amount to approximately €3 billion (equivalent to $3.38 billion).

X’s Data Sharing Practices

In 2024, X implemented a system to automatically include users in data sharing with xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence company.

This data sharing was intended to support the training of xAI’s AI chatbot, Grok.

Furthermore, Musk revealed last month that xAI had completed the acquisition of X.

Potential Penalties Under GDPR

Under the regulations outlined in the EU’s GDPR, the Irish data regulator possesses the authority to impose fines.

These fines can reach up to 4% of a company’s total global revenue.

GDPR mandates that organizations must establish a legitimate legal foundation for processing individuals’ data.

Previous Attempts to Restrict Data Processing

This latest inquiry follows a previous action by the DPC last year.

The agency had previously sought a court order to limit X’s ability to process data from European users for AI training purposes.