X is gearing up to change its privacy policy, allowing for user data sharing with third-party collaborators. Effective November 15, 2024, this update hints at a model akin to Reddit, where outside companies could pay for access to user data.
The new section, “third-party collaborators,” suggests a shift in how user data is handled. The policy states that depending on your settings, your information may be shared with third parties. However, it’s unclear how users can opt out, as the settings menu doesn’t currently offer this option. With the policy's effective date approaching, there's a chance for updates, but X has yet to comment.
If this data licensing takes off, it could provide a crucial revenue stream for X, especially as interest from advertisers wanes.
Simultaneously, X is tightening its terms of service with harsher penalties for those scraping tweets. In a new section called “liquidated damages,” X states that accessing over one million posts in a day could result in a $15,000 penalty.
Elon Musk has been vocal against scraping. Last year, he briefly blocked tweet visibility for logged-out users to deter web scrapers. He also moved X’s API behind a paywall, limiting researchers' capabilities to study the platform's dynamics. Musk has cited scraping as a justification for legal actions against organizations investigating hate speech and other issues.
As X navigates this new landscape, the balance between data privacy and revenue generation will be crucial. Users will need to stay informed and vigilant about how their information is utilized.
Read next: Apple Expands Business Connect with Caller ID for Safer Customer Interactions
The new section, “third-party collaborators,” suggests a shift in how user data is handled. The policy states that depending on your settings, your information may be shared with third parties. However, it’s unclear how users can opt out, as the settings menu doesn’t currently offer this option. With the policy's effective date approaching, there's a chance for updates, but X has yet to comment.
If this data licensing takes off, it could provide a crucial revenue stream for X, especially as interest from advertisers wanes.
Simultaneously, X is tightening its terms of service with harsher penalties for those scraping tweets. In a new section called “liquidated damages,” X states that accessing over one million posts in a day could result in a $15,000 penalty.
Elon Musk has been vocal against scraping. Last year, he briefly blocked tweet visibility for logged-out users to deter web scrapers. He also moved X’s API behind a paywall, limiting researchers' capabilities to study the platform's dynamics. Musk has cited scraping as a justification for legal actions against organizations investigating hate speech and other issues.
As X navigates this new landscape, the balance between data privacy and revenue generation will be crucial. Users will need to stay informed and vigilant about how their information is utilized.
Read next: Apple Expands Business Connect with Caller ID for Safer Customer Interactions
