Irish data watchdog to investigate Musk's AI tool Grok
DPC Investigates X Over AI Data Practices
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has opened a formal inquiry into X Internet Unlimited Company (formerly Twitter) over its use of EU and EEA users’ public posts to train its artificial intelligence model, Grok. The case is being closely watched by businesses across the tech and AI sectors.
GDPR Compliance in the Spotlight
The core issue is whether X’s handling of public data aligns with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For businesses, this reinforces that even publicly available user content is not exempt from strict data protection rules. Any AI model trained on EU user data must now face deeper legal scrutiny.
Legal Precedent Already Set
The DPC’s move follows a High Court case in 2024, where X agreed to delete previously used EU/EEA data and halt its use in AI training. That case set an important precedent—companies can no longer assume that broad user consent or public data status provides legal cover for AI training purposes.
Wider Impact on AI Development
This investigation is part of a broader EU effort to regulate how personal data is used in building AI systems. For businesses, this signals a shift: developing AI models will require more transparent data sourcing, detailed documentation, and, region-specific compliance strategies. Non-compliance could lead to regulatory actions, reputational damage, or costly redesigns.
X’s Position and Business Takeaway
X has stated it will cooperate fully and is committed to GDPR compliance. However, the inquiry underscores a critical message for businesses: AI development is no longer a legal grey area. Clear consent, lawful processing, and regional safeguards are now essential parts of doing business with AI in the EU.
What This Means for Your Business
If your company uses user-generated content or public data to train AI, this case should prompt a review of your data practices. It's not just about avoiding fines—it's about building trust, protecting your brand, and ensuring your AI systems are future-proof in a fast-evolving legal landscape.
Source: RTE
