Elon Musk’s platform, X, has recently implemented new terms of service that have caused some users to leave the microblogging platform. These new terms include permissions for the company to use user data to train artificial intelligence models and hold users liable for up to $15,000 in damages if they exceed certain usage limits.
The changes have prompted both celebrities and everyday users to announce their departure from the platform. Actress Gabrielle Union and other users expressed their concerns about the new terms and their impact on user experience. While the exact number of users leaving X is unknown, there has been a noticeable shift towards other platforms, such as Bluesky, a microblogging startup.
Bluesky, which has seen a significant increase in downloads since November, offers a different approach compared to X. Bluesky does not engage in generative AI training using user content, a practice that has raised privacy concerns among X users. Additionally, X’s new terms include a liquidated damages clause, which imposes financial penalties on users who exceed certain usage limits. This clause has been met with criticism from digital researchers who rely on analyzing public posts for their work.
In contrast, other platforms like Threads and Meta do not have similar clauses in their terms of service. Meta uses information shared on its products and services for AI training, but users have the option to control what data is used. The differences in approach between these platforms highlight the varying priorities and practices in the social media landscape.
Overall, the changes in X’s terms of service have sparked a discussion about user privacy, data usage, and platform policies. As users evaluate their options and consider alternative platforms, the future of microblogging and social media platforms remains dynamic and evolving. The impact of these changes on user behavior and platform competition will continue to shape the digital landscape in the coming months.
