Elon Musk tries again to escape FTC audits of X data handling Elon Musk is attempting for a second time to have a 20-year Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data-privacy order, imposed on Twitter before his takeover, terminated. The FTC, citing concerns about X’s ability to comply due to cost-cutting measures and staff departures, argues the order is still necessary. Public commenters largely agree, urging the FTC to deny X’s petition and maintain oversight, pointing to data breaches and the critical need for AI training data scrutiny.

• Elon Musk is petitioning to end a 20-year FTC data-privacy order that restricts X’s data use and requires regular audits.
• The order stems from a 2019 settlement where Twitter paid $150 million for a coding error that exposed user data to targeted advertising.
• Musk’s previous attempt to revoke the order in 2023 failed, with accusations of FTC bias and improper demands.
• The FTC argues Musk’s takeover impaired X’s compliance, citing terminated staff and cost-cutting pressures.
• X claims the FTC’s order should be dropped because the company structure has changed, key personnel involved in the error are gone, and a robust privacy program is now in place.
• Public commenters overwhelmingly urge the FTC to deny X’s petition, citing distrust in Musk’s handling of user privacy and pointing to recent data breaches.
• Some commenters suggest intensifying FTC scrutiny rather than dismissing the order, especially concerning X’s use of user data for AI training.
• X argues the order imposes needless costs, duplicates GDPR compliance, chills speech, and conflicts with AI initiatives. Continue reading https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/06/elon-musk-tries-again-to-escape-ftc-audits-of-x-data-handling/