Recent changes to X’s terms of service have pushed users toward competing platforms.
According to a CNBC report, these updates, implemented on November 15 (November 25), include various permissions for using user data to train X’s AI models and hefty penalties for excessive platform usage.
One major source of dissatisfaction is X’s extensive use of user data for training its AI models. Under the new terms, X can utilize all content on the platform, including private messages, to improve its algorithms. This has raised significant privacy concerns, as many users do not want their personal data used for commercial purposes without consent.
Additionally, X’s new penalty policy has alarmed many professional and commercial users. According to this rule, any user viewing more than one million posts in a single day must pay a fine of $15,000. This is particularly problematic for researchers and analysts who require access to large volumes of data for their work.
Following these changes, many high-profile and regular users are actively seeking alternatives to X. This exodus has significantly boosted rival platforms, especially Bluesky. Reports indicate that Bluesky’s app downloads in the United States have surged by 651% since the beginning of November.
During the same period, X and Threads experienced growth of 20% and 42%, respectively. However, both X and Threads still maintain significantly larger user bases. Estimates suggest that by the end of last month, X had 318 million active users, while Bluesky had only 21 million.
Compared to X, Meta’s policies regarding the use of data for AI training are not significantly different. Meta also uses shared information across its platforms to train its AI models. In contrast, Bluesky’s CEO has explicitly stated that the platform does not use user data for AI training. This stance has been one of the key factors attracting users to Bluesky.