(Photo by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
SpaceX has updated its Starlink privacy policy to say that select customer data can be used to train AI models, and subscribers appear to be opted in by default.
The policy says SpaceX might harness a customer’s personal information to "train our machine learning or artificial intelligence models for the purposes outlined in this policy." In addition, the company might share some customers' personal information with third parties "for training artificial intelligence models, including for their own independent purposes," it adds.
Those partners could also "help us develop AI-enabled tools that improve your customer experience, although you can always opt out," SpaceX adds on a Starlink.com support page. "Your internet history will never be shared with AI models, including individual browsing habits or geolocation tracking, and we comply with laws prohibiting unauthorized surveillance."
Although details about the nature of the AI training are vague, it’s no secret that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also runs xAI, which has been developing generative AI technologies. This includes the chatbot Grok, which has also been integrated into the Starlink app and site to provide customer support. So, SpaceX is likely using the data to improve Grok’s Starlink integration, which is also available to prospective customers who have questions about the satellite service.
Still, some Starlink users are concerned because the company is automatically enrolling them in AI training, as our own account shows. "It's really shady when companies introduce privacy violations like this automatically. They should have made it opt-in, or at the very least shown a prompt asking if we're ok enabling it," wrote one user on Reddit. Others fear the AI training could involve controversial companies and services, given the backlash Grok received for generating sexually explicit images of real people.
How to Opt Out of Starlink AI Data Training
If you’re not a fan, go to your account settings on Starlink.com and click the "edit profile" button. In the pop-up window, uncheck the box labeled "Share personal data with Starlink's trusted collaborators to train AI models."
Users also report that you can initiate the opt-out process in the Starlink app, but it ultimately directs you to Starlink.com for account settings.
Since Starlink operates as an internet service provider, the data collection and sharing might alarm users. But SpaceX notes: “We only collect what’s needed to provide you great service—like your name, address, email, and payment details when you sign up or order. We also gather some technical information (like IP address or service performance data) to keep your connection fast and reliable.”
The new privacy policy—which had remained unchanged since 2023—notes that Starlink encrypts “information transmitted to and from your Starlink equipment.” Some data collection also occurs through cookies and tracking technologies embedded in Starlink.com and the app. The monitoring can be used to deliver targeted ads on third-party sites, examine service usage, and help optimize the Starlink site and app, the company says.
Like other ISPs, SpaceX has also been known to warn and crack down on users suspected of pirating content. ISPs can do this when they receive a complaint about a user’s IP address being used to share illegal media via torrenting.