In the ever-evolving landscape of social media and content creation, X, a prominent platform, has introduced significant updates to its terms and conditions, set to take effect on January 15, 2026. These changes aim to redefine what constitutes user content, enhance protections against abuse, and clarify the platform’s stance on automated access and data collection.
X and the Crypto Content Ecosystem
The 2026 terms expand the definition of User Content to specifically include “inputs, prompts, outputs” and information “obtained or created through the Services.” This move reflects the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation and interaction on the platform. According to the Draft Terms, users grant X the right to use their content without compensation, with access to the service being considered “sufficient compensation.”
The updated agreement introduces a new abuse clause targeting AI ‘jailbreaking’, instant injection, and circumvention. This clause is designed to prevent users from manipulating the platform’s controls through unauthorized means, such as “jailbreaking” or “prompt engineering.” The terms also maintain liquidated damages of $15,000 per 1,000,000 posts deleted in 24 hours for violations involving automated access or data collection.
Enhanced Protections and Regulatory Compliance
X has also strengthened its content enforcement provisions to comply with European Union and United Kingdom law. The updated terms note that EU and UK law may require enforcement over content described as “harmful” or “unsafe”, including bullying, eating disorders, and self-harm or suicide content. The 2026 Terms add UK-specific language allowing users to challenge enforcement actions under the UK Online Safety Act 2023.
The platform retains its limitations on automated access and data collection, prohibiting crawling or scraping without prior written consent. Claims must be brought in the federal or state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas, with a one-year deadline for federal claims and two years for state claims. The Agreement includes a class action waiver and limits X’s liability under the Terms to $100 per Covered Dispute.
Critics, including the Knight First Amendment Institute and the Center for Countering Digital Hate, have expressed concerns that these terms may have a chilling effect on free speech and criticism. The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism has also noted the potential impact of lawsuits on critics.
For more information on X’s updated terms and conditions, visit https://crypto.news/x-expands-content-to-ai-prompts-outputs-in-2026-terms-update/
