Data Protection Commission Resolves Case Against X’s AI Tool ‘Grok’ - 1

Image by Daniel Oberhaus, from Flickr

Data Protection Commission Resolves Case Against X’s AI Tool ‘Grok’

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) announced on Wednesday the conclusion of its legal proceedings against X, regarding its AI tool ‘Grok.’

The case, initiated on 8 August 2024, was brought before the Irish High Court due to concerns over the use of personal data from X’s EU/EEA users for training its AI system . The DPC had argued that this data processing posed risks to individuals’ fundamental rights and freedoms.

X has originally criticized the DPC’s order , calling it “unwarranted” and “overbroad,” and argued that it unfairly targets the company. X expressed concern that the order could affect not just Grok but other AI models and potentially impact the availability of its platform in the EU.

However, the company has now agreed to permanently adhere to the terms set out in a previous undertaking, leading the Court to strike out the case. Notably, TechCrunch reports that the specific details of X’s new agreement with the DPC have not been disclosed to the public.

In its announcement the DPC emphasized its ongoing efforts to address issues related to personal data use in AI systems. The Commission announced that it will seek an opinion from the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) to clarify the complex legal questions surrounding the processing of personal data in AI training.

Commissioner Dale Sunderland expressed hope that this forthcoming EDPB opinion would lead to more consistent regulation across Europe. “The DPC expects this opinion to provide a clear framework for regulating AI data use, supporting the resolution of numerous complaints related to the training and development of AI models,” Sunderland said.

This announcement comes shortly after a Brazilian Supreme Federal Court judge ordered the suspension of X’s platform across Brazil . This decision followed X’s failure to comply with an earlier court order, escalating tensions between the company and the Brazilian government.

These suspensions highlight the increasing scrutiny that tech giants face globally as governments grapple with issues of online regulation and accountability.

Ransomware Surge: Number Of Active Groups Rises By 56% In 2024 - 2

Image by Christiaan Colen, from Wikimedia Commons

Ransomware Surge: Number Of Active Groups Rises By 56% In 2024

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Searchlight Cyber just published a report revealing that the number of active ransomware groups has increased significantly in the first half of 2024. Despite this growth, the overall number of victims has declined, suggesting that law enforcement efforts are having an impact.

The report states that ransomware groups frequently appear, compete with each other, and sometimes vanish, only to return under new names. The ransomware scene has already changed significantly since the beginning of the year, and the report provides an update on those shifts.

One of the most notable developments mentioned in the report is the emergence of RansomHub, which quickly rose to become the third most prolific ransomware group. This group’s success is likely due to its connections with other established ransomware operators.

While ransomware groups continue their usual tactics, there has also been a significant law enforcement operation targeting the LockBit group, known as Operation Cronos. Although LockBit has not been fully defeated, the operation has weakened them, as stated on the report.

Despite these efforts, ransomware is still a major issue. In fact, the report states that the number of ransomware groups increased by 56% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

However, the number of victims has decreased, which suggests that law enforcement actions are having some impact, as suggested on the report.

The report also notes that the top ransomware groups have also shifted. Long-time players like BlackCat and Cl0p have slowed down, while new groups like RansomHub have risen to prominence. LockBit remains the most active group, but it has also been affected by law enforcement efforts.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is still the dominant model, where groups lease their ransomware to others in exchange for a share of the profits.

The report concludes by warning, “Although some of the big players have been disrupted, we should be under no illusions: ransomware remains a persistent threat.”