User Data Used to Train AI, Privacy is at Stake
User Data Used to Train AI, Privacy is at Stake
https://voi.id/en/technology/555406
Publish Date: 2026-02-01 17:13:00
Source Domain: voi.id
Jakarta – Starlink’s latest privacy policy has sparked a global debate about the line between artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and the protection of personal data. SpaceX’s satellite internet service now allows the use of user data for AI training by default, a move that is considered risky for the privacy of millions of people around the world.
Starlink quietly updated its Global Privacy Policy on January 15, 2026. The policy states that user data can be used to train machine learning and AI models, and shared with service providers and “third-party collaborators”, unless users actively choose to refuse or opt out.
This change was first reported by Reuters on January 31, 2026 and marked a significant shift from previous policies, which did not explicitly mention the use of data for AI training. With more than 9 million global users, Starlink’s new policy raises serious questions about consent, transparency, and potential data misuse.
“This definitely makes me frown and would cause concern if I were a Starlink user,” said Anupam Chander, a law professor of technology from Georgetown University, quoted by VOI from Reuters.
“Often there is actually a completely legitimate use of your data, but there are no clear limits on what type of use the data will be used for,” he added.
The momentum of this policy comes at a crucial time for SpaceX. The world’s most valuable space company is preparing for a major initial public offering (IPO) in the second half of 2026, which is expected to push SpaceX’s valuation to over $1 trillion.
At the same time, SpaceX is also reportedly negotiating to join xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company that was recently valued at around $230 billion in its latest funding round. If the merger takes place, xAI could potentially gain access to a massive scale of real-world data, including Starlink user communication data.
Starlink’s privacy document shows the scale of the data collected is very…
