Starlink now uses users’ data for AI training; here’s how to opt out

SpaceX has quietly updated Starlink’s privacy policy that permits customer data usage for AI model training unless users actively opt out. This comes as the Elon-Musk owned Space company is negotiating a merger with his AI venture xAI.

According to the information available on the Starlink website, the global privacy policy was updated on January 15. The update stated that users’ data can be used to train machine learning or artificial intelligence models. 

The policy allows Starlink to share data such as identity, contact, profile, financial, transaction, IP address and communication information. Unless a user opts out, the data could be shared with the company’s service providers and “third-party collaborators,” according to the information on its website. 

A mention by Reuters noted that, as of the previous version in November, there was no mention of AI training in the privacy policy.

The latest development comes in light of SpaceX’s prospective public offering. After its completion, the IPO may see SpaceX surpass $1 trillion in valuation. 

Recall that Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, the developer of the Grok chatbot and owner of social media platform X, recently secured funding that pushed its valuation to $230 billion. The merger between SpaceX and xAI would provide Musk’s AI operation access to communication streams from millions of its global users. 

Experts have warned that using users’ information to train AI raises concerns over data misuse and the possibilities of expanded control of information. 

Also Read: 3 months on, new Starlink orders are still unprocessed in Lagos, Abuja.

AI data training: Starlink is putting users’ data at risk

Starlink, which is in operation in 25 African countries, offers internet connection to over 9 million users globally. In 2025 alone, the company launched in 8 countries, including Chad, Somalia, Lesotho, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Niger and São Tomé and Príncipe.

In Nigeria alone, Starlink is the second-largest Internet Service Operator (ISO) with over 66,000 subscribers, only second to Spectranet’s 99,520 subscribers.

Starlink’s entry into African countries has received significant interest due to its high-speed internet through a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. However, the latest development raises concerns over the safety of their personal data on the company’s platform.

For Starlink subscribers uncomfortable with their data training AI systems, the opt-out option exists. Meanwhile, the choice falls entirely on customers to take action and opt out.

To opt-out 

1. Sign in to your account on the Starlink website or in the Starlink App.

2. Go to the menu, select Account, and then Settings.

3. Select Edit Profile.

4. Scroll down to find the option to “Share personal data with Starlink’s trusted collaborators to train AI models” and uncheck the box.

5. Save your changes and enter the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) code if prompted.

MFA code is an extra security step, sent to your phone or email account, to verify it’s really you making changes.

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