X (Twitter) Updates Terms to Block AI Model Training

X Restricts AI Training on its Platform

Social network X has modified its developer agreement to prohibit the utilization of its content by external entities for the purpose of training large language models.

The update, released on Wednesday, introduces a new clause within the “Reverse Engineering and other Restrictions” section, which details limitations on platform usage. This clause specifically states that users are forbidden from utilizing the X API or X Content to refine or train foundational or frontier models.

Context of the Change

This adjustment follows the acquisition of X by xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, in March. It is logical that xAI would seek to prevent competitors from gaining free access to the social media platform’s data without a formal commercial arrangement.

Previously, in 2023, X altered its privacy policy to permit the use of publicly available data from the site for AI model training. Further modifications were implemented last October to extend these permissions to third-party developers.

Industry Trend

X is not alone in implementing such measures. Reddit has also established defenses against AI crawlers. Similarly, The Browser Company recently incorporated a comparable stipulation into the terms of use for its AI-centric browser, Dia.

These actions demonstrate a growing trend among platforms to control how their data is used in the development of artificial intelligence technologies.

• The new policy prevents the training of large language models using X’s API.
• The change is likely motivated by xAI’s desire to protect its data assets.
• Other platforms, like Reddit and The Browser Company, are enacting similar restrictions.