X’s AI Policy Change: A Troubling Development for Artists

On October 17, 2024, X revealed a series of concerning updates to its policies. Though still referred to by many as Twitter, the platform’s primary adjustment revolves around the blocking functionality. However, an equally alarming update, particularly for those in the creative sectors who share their art online, has been largely overshadowed.

Beginning November 15, 2024, Twitter/X will modify its privacy policy, enabling user data to be utilized for training not just Grok, its proprietary AI system, but also AI models from third-party developers. This implies that everything from witty commentary to artistic creations—like fan art, animation demo reels, music tracks, and more—uploaded to the platform could be repurposed by external AI companies.

That’s undoubtedly problematic.

What is the change, precisely?

Here’s the specific wording from Twitter/X’s announcement regarding the new AI policy:

Depending on your settings, or if you choose to share your data, we may disclose your information to third parties. If you don’t opt out, some of these recipients may use your data for their own independent purposes beyond what’s outlined in X’s Privacy Policy, including training their artificial intelligence models, whether generative or otherwise.

With the emergence of AI-generated artwork, creatives have endeavored to push back against this technology. Artists express that the imprint of their creations is evident in AI output, arguing that this training happens without their permission, and they should receive compensation for what is effectively the appropriation of their intellectual property.

The ramifications extend beyond fine art, as the influence of AI on other creative fields is increasingly felt. AI-generated music is on the rise, and last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike highlighted significant concerns regarding AI duplications of actors and their vocal performances, which continued into the current video game actor strike.

The core issue is straightforward: artists wish to protect their livelihood, plus they’re against the unauthorized use of their likenesses or creations. It’s a fair request, right?

if you saw that notice about a Terms of Service update, this is the main clause it changed.it explicitly lets twitter use your posts and any attached media — including images, videos, and their audio — for the training of AI models like Grok.it will be in effect November 15. pic.twitter.com/tuQsmclv3a

— ryan fae (@RhinozzCode) October 16, 2024

This is why the updated privacy policies of Twitter/X cause alarm. There’s no clarification regarding which types of data might be shared, leading to concerns that artists’ works could also be included. Moreover, Twitter/X has revised its terms to provide themselves with a “worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license (with the right to sublicense)” to utilize, reproduce, and manage any content you share on their platform.

Fortunately, we’ve gained insights on protecting our information in recent years. One potential option is to cease using Twitter/X altogether and switch to Bluesky, a platform that has seen 500,000 users migrate yesterday alone, and currently seems to lack similar policies regarding AI data usage. However, users should remain cautious about potential future policy changes.

For those wishing to remain on Twitter, it’s crucial to thoroughly examine your privacy settings.

Is opting out possible?

The wording in Twitter/X’s updated terms begins with “depending on your settings,” which suggests a possibility of opting out of the feature. However, as several news outlets have pointed out, there is currently no transparent option within X’s settings for users to refuse data sharing. With the new policy effective later this year, X might introduce an opt-out feature; yet, this is merely speculative.

At present, you can navigate to the “Settings and Privacy” section by clicking the “More” button located at the bottom of Twitter’s left-hand sidebar. From there, select “Privacy and Safety,” and if you scroll to the end of the right side, look for a “Data sharing with business partners” section. Ensure that box is unchecked, as it permits Twitter to “share additional information” with its partners.

Additionally, check the “Grok” section and deselect the box granting access to your data for Twitter’s proprietary AI.

Hopefully, this guidance aids in safeguarding your data. Remember, Twitter also adjusted its settings to retain “different types of information for various periods,” even post-account cancellation. Otherwise, catch you on Bluesky.

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