Canada’s privacy watchdog has launched an investigation into X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter and owned by Elon Musk, to determine whether the company’s use of Canadians’ personal data for training artificial intelligence (AI) models violates federal privacy laws. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada initiated this probe following a complaint, aiming to assess X’s compliance with regulations concerning the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.
The specific details of the complaint have not been disclosed. However, Brian Masse, a member of the opposition New Democratic Party, recently urged the privacy commissioner to investigate X’s data practices. Masse emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “Transparency and sunlight are crucial at a time when algorithms could be manipulated to spread misinformation.”
X has not responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation. This development comes amid heightened tensions between Canada and the United States over issues such as trade, border security, and a proposed digital services tax targeting U.S. technology firms.
Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X, is also the founder of the AI startup xAI. Under Musk’s leadership, xAI developed Grok, an AI assistant integrated into the X platform. Grok is designed to assist users with various tasks, including answering questions, solving problems, and brainstorming ideas. The latest version, Grok 3, has been made available to Premium+ subscribers on X.
Training AI models like Grok requires substantial amounts of data, often sourced from user interactions and content. This practice has raised concerns about user privacy and data protection, especially when personal information is used without explicit consent. Canada’s privacy laws mandate that organizations obtain consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information. These laws also require transparency about data practices and the implementation of safeguards to protect personal data.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for X and other technology companies operating in Canada. If the privacy commissioner finds that X violated federal privacy laws, the company could face penalties and be required to change its data handling practices. This case also highlights the broader issue of how tech companies collect and use personal data, particularly in the development of AI technologies.
As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various platforms, the balance between innovation and user privacy remains a critical concern. Regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly scrutinizing how companies handle personal data, ensuring that advancements in technology do not come at the expense of individual privacy rights.
