# X (Previously Twitter) Modifies Terms of Service: AI Training and Data Privacy Issues
In October 2023, **X** (previously referred to as **Twitter**) made considerable modifications to its **Terms of Service**, leading to worries among its users. The most prominent alteration is that content shared on X may now be utilized to enhance the platform’s **artificial intelligence (AI) models**. This update, set to take effect on **November 15, 2023**, has raised concerns regarding user data and privacy, particularly since there appears to be no option to withdraw from this AI training initiative.
## Overview of the New Terms of Service
As per the revised **Terms of Service**, X users provide the platform with a **global, non-exclusive, royalty-free license** to utilize their content. This encompasses the right to examine text, images, and other data shared on the platform. The terms clearly indicate that this information can be employed for the **development of machine learning and AI models**, including generative AI.
The pertinent portion of the terms states:
> “You agree that this license entails our right to analyze text and other information you supply and to otherwise provide, promote, and enhance the Services. This includes usage with and training of our machine learning and artificial intelligence models, generative or otherwise.”
This means that any content posted on X—be it a tweet, image, or video—could be utilized to boost X’s AI capabilities. This change has generated considerable unrest among users worried about privacy and data governance.
## No Option to Opt-Out for AI Training
Earlier in 2023, X launched **Grok**, its AI chatbot, allowing users to opt out of data sharing for AI training. However, the updated Terms of Service supersede this feature. Even if you had previously turned off data sharing with Grok, your content can still be utilized to train X’s AI models under the new terms.
Consequently, users find themselves faced with two options: either accept that their content will be used for AI training or refrain from posting on X entirely.
## Steps to Deactivate Your X Account
If you’re uneasy with the notion of your content being used to train AI models, you might want to consider **deactivating your X account**. Fortunately, X has made the process fairly simple. Here’s how you can proceed:
1. **Log into X** on your web browser and navigate to the [Settings page](https://x.com/settings/account).
2. In the “Your Account” section, select **“Deactivate your account.”**
3. Hit the large, red **“Deactivate”** button.
4. Input your password and click **“Deactivate”** once more.
Once these steps are completed, your account will enter a **30-day deactivation period**. If you do not log back into your account within that timeframe, it will be permanently erased, and your username will be dissociated from your account.
### Key Note on Data Retention
While deactivating your account will eliminate your presence from the platform, it is crucial to recognize that X might still keep some of your data. As per the platform’s help section, X may retain certain information to “ensure the safety and security of its platform and users using X.”
## Options Beyond X
If you choose to depart from X but still wish to participate in social media, several alternatives have gained traction recently. Here are some of the leading **X competitors**:
### 1. **Bluesky**
Bluesky, a decentralized social network, has risen sharply in popularity following X’s contentious updates. As of September 2023, Bluesky boasted over **15 million users** and ranked as the top free app on the iOS App Store. Bluesky’s layout mirrors that of old Twitter, making it an enticing choice for those desiring a familiar interface.
### 2. **Threads**
Introduced by Meta in July 2023, **Threads** has rapidly emerged as a significant challenger to X. With upwards of **275 million users**, Threads allows for lengthier posts (up to 500 characters) and enables video content of up to 5 minutes. It serves as a more blog-like platform while still incorporating many features that made Twitter popular.
### 3. **Mastodon**
For users seeking a more decentralized option, **Mastodon** is an open-source social network that functions on independent instances. While it presents a steeper learning curve, Mastodon has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among users who prioritize privacy and control over their data. It employs the **ActivityPub protocol**, allowing interaction between different instances, thus providing a distinctive alternative to conventional social networks.
## Summary
The recent modifications to X’s Terms of Service have raised notable concerns regarding the usage of user data for AI training. Without an opt-out choice, users must evaluate whether they
