Starlink Enables AI Training with User Data, Sparking Outcry

• Starlink revises privacy policy to permit use of customer data for AI unless users opt out.
• Privacy advocates raise concerns over potential misuse and transparency issues.

On January 15, 2026, Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, updated its privacy policy to allow AI model training with user data, raising alarm among privacy advocates. The update enables the company to train its machine learning and AI systems using customer information unless users actively opt out. The revised policy further indicates that data may also be shared with third-party collaborators and service providers.

The policy change has sparked immediate concerns from privacy advocates and consumer rights organizations. Critics have pointed to the lack of transparency regarding potential data misuse and unclear limitations on usage. Anupam Chander, a technology law professor at Georgetown University, noted that the policy leaves undefined what specific types of data will be used for AI training, amplifying fears of surveillance and misuse. Starlink collects a wide range of user data, including location, contact information, payment details, and communication data. However, the company has not disclosed which data categories are involved in AI development.

Amid the backlash, Starlink issued a statement clarifying that individual web browsing records and internet destination addresses will not be used in AI training. A report from PCMag on January 31, 2026, outlined the company’s assurance that users’ internet histories will be excluded from any AI systems and will not be shared with external collaborators.

Starlink's decision coincides with broader corporate developments at its parent company, SpaceX. Recent reports highlight ongoing discussions to merge with xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup. If completed, the merger could combine SpaceX's space technology and Starlink’s satellite network with xAI’s AI-driven resources, potentially accelerating technological progress. An initial public offering (IPO) for the combined entity is reportedly under consideration, with some estimates valuing the new entity at over $1 trillion.

For users seeking to opt out of data sharing for AI training, Starlink has introduced a specific process. Customers can log into their Starlink accounts on the website, navigate to the "edit profile" section, and disable the setting allowing their data to be used for AI purposes. The opt-out feature is not currently available on the Starlink mobile app.

Despite the company’s statements, privacy advocates continue to stress concerns over the potential implications of the policy change. The vast amounts of data collected across Starlink's satellite network, coupled with uncertain regulations surrounding AI advancements, leave many apprehensive. The ongoing debate highlights the challenge of balancing technological progress in AI with protecting consumer privacy and data security.