In response to objections from regulators and privacy advocates, technology giant Meta has cancelled its plans to launch its Artificial Intelligence (AI) system, Meta AI, in Europe. The objections revolved around Meta’s proposal to train its AI models using publicly-available social media user data without individuals’ express consent.
Earlier this month, Meta notified EU users of its social media platforms about its intent to use their data, which was met with swift criticism from regulators enforcing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws and various privacy groups. The company had formed an entity in Ireland, functioning under the guidance of the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), aiming to navigate GDPR rules. However, even the Irish DPC, otherwise known to help tech firms navigate around the GDPR, deemed Meta’s proposal unacceptable.
Meta’s data sourcing from EU Facebook and Instagram users was supposed to be effective from June 26, 2024, but has now been called off. In an official statement, Meta expressed disappointment over the decision, suggesting the setback will hinder AI progress and competition in the EU.
The social media giant argued that its approach was just as transparent as other companies operating within the EU. In the absence of EU user data, Meta stated that it wouldn’t be capable of providing an optimal experience, thus its AI product would not launch in Europe at present.
Privacy group, NOYB, that registered 11 complaints against Meta’s intentions, issued a statement that it cautiously welcomed Meta’s decision but will maintain vigilance over any updates. Max Schrems, NOYB Chair, criticized Meta´s stance as ‘collective punishment’. He asserted that the tech firm has options to seek valid consent for data use.
Although this move doesn’t change Meta’s leveraging of non-EU users’ data for training its AI models without an opt-out feature, it does underline the influence of firm regulations and collective pushback.
Meanwhile, Schrems proposed a straightforward solution for satisfying GDPR rules: Meta should request users to opt-in rather than having an opt-out system. For now, Meta still continues to utilise non-EU user data for training its models, with no opt-out option available, demonstrating the impact of regulatory measures and community resistance.
