X Complies with EU Data Laws, Halts AI Data Collection After DPC Case

Elon Musk's X platform has resolved its legal battle with the European Data Protection Commission (DPC) by agreeing to halt its AI data collection practices and erase previously collected user data. The case was part of the EU's ongoing efforts to protect personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

X Agrees to EU Compliance Measures

On September 4, X confirmed that it would stop using personal data from users in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) to train its artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. The agreement requires X to permanently comply with the data collection requests, marking the end of the DPC's investigation. As part of the resolution, X will erase user data collected between May 7 and August 1 and cease any further data collection for developing or enhancing Grok.

DPC Takes Action to Protect Fundamental Rights

The DPC filed its initial complaint against X, citing concerns over risks to the "fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals." This was the first time the DPC had invoked its powers under Section 134 of the 2018 Data Protection Act. DPC Commissioner Des Hogan welcomed X’s decision to comply, stating that the outcome protects the data rights of EU and EEA citizens.

“One of our main roles as an independent regulator and rights-based organization is to ensure the best outcome for data subjects, and today’s developments will help us to continue protecting the rights and freedoms of X users across the EU and EEA,” Hogan said.

X Initially Rejected Allegations

Before accepting the DPC’s terms, Twitter International, the company behind X’s operations, denied any wrongdoing and claimed that it had met all GDPR requirements. The company initially referred to the DPC’s actions as “draconian,” arguing that they hindered essential platform functions in the region. However, following X’s agreement to the DPC’s terms, the case was officially dismissed.

X’s Legal Battles Extend to Brazil

The case with the DPC is not the only legal challenge X is facing. On August 30, Brazilian regulators suspended X in the country after Elon Musk refused to appoint a legal representative for the platform. The Brazilian Supreme Court upheld this suspension in a unanimous ruling on September 2.

Despite the suspension, Musk has hinted that Brazilian X users should defy the court’s ruling by using VPNs to access the platform, even though they could face fines. Musk has also criticized Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of engaging in “illegal political censorship” and labeling him “evil” and a “dictator.”