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X Faces Austrian Complaint Over Data Usage for AI Training

X Faces Austrian Complaint Over Data Usage for AI Training

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An important complaint against social media network X, formerly known as Twitter, was submitted on Monday by the Austrian advocacy group NOYB (None of Your Business). The corporation, which is owned by Elon Musk, is accused of violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union by improperly exploiting customers’ personal data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) systems without getting the required authorization.

The GDPR Grievance and Its Consequences

X Faces Austrian Complaint Over Data Usage for AI Training

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Max Schrems, a well-known privacy campaigner, led the complaint that was filed with data protection authorities across nine EU nations. This action is a component of a larger plan to put further pressure on Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which serves as the principal regulator for numerous significant American technology companies doing business in Europe because Ireland is home to their European headquarters. The main point of NOYB’s complaint is that X has been processing user data for AI training without providing users with an opportunity to opt out beforehand, which is a clear violation of GDPR regulations.

Ireland's Part in the Protracted Legal Battle

In order to rectify the situation, the Irish Data Protection Commission, which is leading the way in regulating these matters, has taken action. It has requested an injunction prohibiting X from utilizing user data for AI research until appropriate consent procedures are put in place. X consented to temporarily stop using personal data for AI training in response to the complaint. However, NOYB contends that rather than addressing the basic legality of the data processing itself, the DPC’s measures are more focused on mitigation.

The Position of Max Schrems and Legal Issues

Max Schrems, a prominent proponent of digital age privacy rights, voiced his worries regarding X’s operations. He said,

"We want to ensure that Twitter fully complies with EU law, which, at a bare minimum, requires to ask users for consent in this case."

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The case brought to light that X had not notified users of their right to object to data collecting until many weeks after the process had commenced, giving rise to further ethical and legal concerns. 

Analogous to Meta's AI Approach

This is not a unique instance. Similar problems arose for Facebook’s parent firm Meta in June when the Irish DPC asked for a postponement of the AI assistant’s European launch citing privacy concerns. Additionally, NOYB has filed complaints against Meta, highlighting the wider ramifications for IT businesses that use user data for AI training without the express consent of the user.

Also Read: MiddleGame Ventures Hits €55M Milestone Towards €150M Fintech Fund

Final Thoughts: X's Future and EU Data Privacy

As the matter develops, X’s adherence to EU data protection regulations is still being investigated. The resolution of this case may establish a standard for how tech companies function in Europe, especially in relation to the use of private information for artificial intelligence research.

Elon Musk Polls X Users on $5 Billion Tesla Investment in xAI

Elon Musk Polls X Users on $5 Billion Tesla Investment in xAI

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Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has asked fans on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, if the electric vehicle manufacturer ought to contribute $5 billion to his artificial intelligence business, xAI. With roughly 69.5 percent of the 440,189 individuals voting on behalf of the investment and thirty percent against it, the early results show strong public support. Musk explained that the purpose of this poll is to determine public opinion; the board and shareholders of Tesla must still formally approve it.

The investment proposal's context

Elon Musk Polls X Users on $5 Billion Tesla Investment in xAI

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Tesla just revealed that its profit margin was at its lowest level in five years as a result of pricing reductions and higher investment in artificial intelligence technologies. Musk stressed during Tesla’s most recent earnings conference that xAI might play a major role in constructing an entirely new Tesla data facility and expanding fully autonomous driving features. Musk also mentioned how Tesla’s software might be integrated with xAI’s chatbot, Grok.

xAI's History and Finances

Musk introduced xAI last year as a replacement for ChatGPT, and it has since advanced significantly. With a total of six billion dollars in series B capital secured in May, the business was valued at 24 billion dollars after taking on debt. Two well-known investors are Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz. Additionally, Musk has stated that investors in X, the social media network he paid $44 billion to acquire, will hold 25 percent of xAI.

Prior Surveys and Judgment Making

Musk is accustomed to making decisions based on X surveys. He polled users in 2021 to see if he should sell 10 percent of his Tesla ownership, and he quickly sold shares in response. Even if it reflects public interest, this survey is just the first one. Tesla’s board members and shareholders will ultimately decide whether to invest the $5 billion, and they will need to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

Also Read: Kakao Founder Arrested in South Korea for Alleged Stock Manipulation

Issues and Strategic Perspectives

During the results call, Musk played off worries about using Tesla’s resources for his other projects. Remarkably, in June, CNBC revealed that, because of space constraints at Tesla’s data centre, Musk had given Nvidia the order to ship thousands of AI processors meant for Tesla to xAI and X.

Although public opinion seems to be in support of this large investment, Tesla’s major stakeholders will need to give it careful thought before making a final choice.

 
Elon Musk's X Struggles with User Growth as the rise of Meta threads

Elon Musk’s X Struggles with User Growth as the rise of Meta Threads

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The number of users on X, previously referred to as Twitter, has significantly slowed down after Elon Musk purchased the company for forty-four billion dollars in the middle of 2022. X’s daily rise in active users has dropped to less than two percent in 2024, from an average yearly increase of 30 percent in 2020. X’s daily active user growth over the previous year was barely 1.6 percent, according to new information from the Financial Times, reducing the total to about 251 million daily active users.

App Downloads: Threads vs. X

Elon Musk's X Struggles with User Growth as the rise of Meta threads

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The slowdown in the number of users is reflected in the downloads of X’s apps. AppFigures data indicates that although Meta’s Threads has enjoyed a solid 250,000 to 300,000 daily iOS downloads, X’s per day downloads have remained around 100,000. With 51 million downloads this year, Threads has more than doubled X’s total number of iOS downloads (20 million). On Android, a similar trend can be seen: Threads has received 87 million downloads, almost twice as many as X, with 45 million.

Comparison of Web Traffic

Even with its slow app downloads, X still gets a lot of traffic from web browsers. X surpassed Threads with over 2 billion monthly visitors, according to SimilarWeb data, with 51.5 million monthly visits. Since that Threads is a platform that has only lately begun to expand its online functionality, this discrepancy could be explained by the app-centric design of the platform.

User Interaction

According to Threads, there are 175 million active users each month; Sensor Tower calculates that number to be roughly 38 million users each day. This implies that the user base of X may be more engaged than that of Threads, where users may interact more regularly. The fact that Threads may be attracting more people away from X as it expands suggests that the user bases of the two platforms may not completely overlap.

Also Read: NALA Secures $40M to Revolutionize Payments Across Africa and Beyond

In conclusion, Musk’s social media endeavor faces a huge hurdle since, despite maintaining a sizable amount of web traffic, X’s declining user growth and app download rates contrast significantly with Meta’s Threads’ quick development.

 
Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Apple Devices Over OpenAI Deal

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Apple Devices Over OpenAI Deal

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Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and owner of social media platform X, has issued a strong warning about the potential banning of Apple devices at his companies. This threat follows Apple’s recent announcement of its partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT-4 technology into its operating systems.

Concerns Over Security Violations

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Apple Devices Over OpenAI Deal

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Musk expressed his concerns in a post on X, labeling the integration of OpenAI technology into Apple’s operating systems as an “unacceptable security violation.” He elaborated on the measures that would be taken at his companies, stating, “Visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage.” This drastic step highlights Musk’s apprehension about the security implications of integrating third-party AI models into consumer devices.

Apple and OpenAI’s partnership will bring ChatGPT-4 to iOS, macOS, and iPadOS, with basic access available for free and additional benefits for paid OpenAI members. Despite assurances from Apple about maintaining user data privacy, Musk remains skeptical, suggesting that OpenAI could exploit this integration to gather user data covertly.

Musk's Criticism of Apple's AI Strategy

Musk’s criticism extends beyond the immediate security concerns to broader strategic issues. He argued that Apple should have developed its own AI models rather than partnering with OpenAI. Apple has emphasized its commitment to user privacy, using in-house hardware and chips to process data on-device while leveraging cloud servers for some applications. However, Musk’s distrust of OpenAI’s practices and motives adds a layer of complexity to this debate.

This is not the first time Musk has clashed with OpenAI. He co-founded the organization in 2015 but has since distanced himself, frequently criticizing its direction. Earlier this year, Musk sued OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that they had deviated from the nonprofit mission to develop AI for the benefit of humanity.

Industry Implications and Future Prospects

Musk’s warning has sparked a broader discussion about the integration of AI technologies in consumer devices and the implications for user privacy and security. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday technology, the tensions between innovation, privacy, and security are becoming more pronounced.

Also Read: David Cheriton: The Educator with an Eye for Tech Titans

Apple’s strategy of using in-house technology to protect user data contrasts with Musk’s vision of AI development, underscoring the divergent approaches within the tech industry. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these tensions are resolved and whether Musk’s threats will impact Apple’s plans.

This unfolding situation illustrates the complex landscape of AI development and deployment, highlighting the need for robust security measures and transparent practices to maintain user trust in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Elon Musk Plan to Charge New X Users to Tweet

Elon Musk Plan to Charge New X Users to Tweet

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In a bold move that continues to generate buzz across the tech and social media sectors, X (formerly Twitter) CEO Elon Musk has confirmed plans to charge new users of the platform $1 for the ability to tweet. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to transform the business models of social media platforms with the aim of increasing revenues and improving content quality.

Musk's Monetization Moves

Elon Musk Plan to Charge New X Users to Tweet

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Since acquiring X last year, Musk has introduced several changes aimed at monetizing the platform more aggressively. The decision to charge new users a nominal fee to tweet is seen as an effort to prevent spam and bots, which Musk has often cited as a significant issue impacting user experience and platform integrity.

“By charging a small fee, we can reduce malicious activity and ensure that our platform is used for more thoughtful and genuine engagement,” Musk explained in a recent interview. He believes that the fee, although minimal, will encourage users to think twice before tweeting, potentially increasing the quality of discussion on the platform.

Implementation and Response

The new fee will only apply to accounts created after the policy was implemented, ensuring existing users can continue to tweet without any charges. Users will have to make a one-time payment to unlock the tweeting capability and the feature will be available globally.

The response to Musk’s plan has been mixed. Some users applaud the effort to clean up the platform, while others criticize it for potentially limiting free speech and excluding those unwilling or unable to pay the fee. Critics argue that the move could create a barrier for users from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Financial and Social Implications

Financial analysts are watching closely to see how this new fee affects X’s revenue and user engagement. “It’s a risky move,” says tech industry analyst Lila Thompson. “Although this can reduce spam and increase revenue, it can also discourage new users from joining, which can stunt growth.”

Social media experts also consider the broader implications. “Social platforms have a responsibility to promote open communication,” says social media ethics expert Dr. Helen Ramirez. “This move by X could set a precedent that could impact other platforms, potentially changing the landscape of social media interactions.”

Also Read: Salesforce Looks to Informatica to Boost Data Capabilities

Looking Ahead

As soon as this policy is implemented, the tech community and X’s global user base will be eager to see its impact. Will this lead to a cleaner, more engaging platform as Musk hopes, or could it hinder the growth and vibrancy that social media is known for? Only time will tell whether Musk’s gambit pays off, but one thing is clear: The social media landscape is rapidly evolving, with X at the forefront of significant changes.

Elon Musk’s leadership has undoubtedly brought a new level of unpredictability and innovation to X, and his latest move adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of one of the most closely-watched companies in the world.

The Complete Guide to X Premium: Features, Benefits, and How to Subscribe

The Complete Guide to X Premium: Features, Benefits, and How to Subscribe

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In a move that signals a major change in the way social media platforms monetize their services, X (formerly known as Twitter) has launched its own premium subscription service, X Premium. This new tier aims to enhance the user experience by offering exclusive features, improved functionalities, and a more personalized way of interacting with the platform. Here’s everything you need to know about X Premium, including its benefits and how to get the most from your subscription.

What is X Premium?

The Complete Guide to X Premium: Features, Benefits, and How to Subscribe

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X Premium is a subscription-based service offered by the social media giant, designed for users who want an enhanced experience on the platform. By subscribing to X Premium, users unlock features and benefits that are not available to free account holders. These enhancements range from an ad-free browsing experience to more sophisticated analytics tools, aimed at both regular users and professionals who use the platform for business and content creation.

Key Features and Benefits

  1. Ad-Free Experience: One of the most sought-after benefits of X Premium is the ability to browse the platform without any interruptions from ads. This ensures a cleaner and more focused user experience.

  2. Enhanced Analytics: Subscribers gain access to advanced analytics tools that provide in-depth information about their account performance, audience engagement, and content reach. This feature is especially useful for creators and businesses who want to optimize their social media strategy.

  3. Exclusive Content: X Premium members have exclusive access to premium content from popular creators and influencers, including articles, videos, and live streams that are not available to non-subscribers.

  4. Priority Support: Subscribers benefit from priority customer support, ensuring that any issues or queries are resolved promptly.

  5. Customization Options: Additional customization options allow users to personalize their feed, notifications, and overall app appearance, giving them control over their browsing experience.

How to Subscribe to X Premium

Subscribing to X Premium is straightforward. Users can sign up directly through the X app or website by navigating to the settings menu and selecting the X Premium option. From there, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the subscription process. Payment can be made using various methods, including credit card, PayPal, or other digital wallets, depending on the region.

Making the Most Out of Your Subscription

To fully benefit from X Premium, users should explore all the features and customization options available. Engaging with exclusive content and using advanced analytics tools can provide valuable insights and grow your social media presence. Additionally, taking advantage of the ad-free experience and priority support can significantly improve your overall experience on the platform.

Also Read: Stealth AI Startup Aims to Speed Up Global Hiring After $27 Million Fundraise

Conclusion

X Premium represents a significant evolution in how users interact with social media platforms, offering a more refined, personalized, and enhanced experience. Whether you’re a social media enthusiast, a content creator, or a business professional, X Premium provides a suite of features designed to cater to your needs. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, services like X Premium underscore the importance of user experience in the competitive world of social media.