X, formerly known as Twitter, has recently implemented a new setting that automatically activates data sharing with its AI, Grok. This means that the platform can use users’ posts, interactions, inputs, and results to train and fine-tune the AI. Additionally, this data may be shared with X’s service provider, xAI, for the same purposes. While this setting is enabled by default, users have the option to switch it off and delete their conversation history with the AI.
To disable the data sharing setting on X, users can follow these steps on the desktop version of the social network:
1. Open the Settings page on X.
2. Select the “Privacy and safety” button.
3. Choose “Grok.”
4. Uncheck the box to disable the setting.
Once the setting is turned off, users also have the option to delete their conversation history with the AI by clicking on the “Delete conversation history” button.
It’s worth noting that X owner, Elon Musk, recently announced that xAI had begun training its Grok AI model using the most powerful AI training cluster in the world. Musk’s goal is for the AI model to become the world’s most powerful AI by every metric by December 2024. By utilizing users’ past tweets and posts, Musk and X aim to enhance the training of their AI beyond just the powerful training cluster.
X is not the only social network that has utilized user data for AI training purposes. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also planned to use public content from these platforms to train its AI. However, after facing regulatory pressure, Meta paused its plans.
The utilization of user data for AI training raises concerns about privacy and data protection. While it’s positive that X allows users to switch off the data sharing setting, it’s essential for social networks to be transparent about their data usage and provide users with full control over their personal information. Regulatory bodies play a crucial role in ensuring that social networks comply with privacy regulations and protect user data.
In conclusion, X’s automatic activation of data sharing with its AI, Grok, highlights the growing trend of utilizing user data for AI training. Users have the option to disable this setting and delete their conversation history with the AI. However, it’s important for social networks to prioritize privacy and data protection, providing users with transparency and control over their personal information.
