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Facebook is training AI with user data. And New Zealand lawmakers are taking notice!
AI Training from Your Social Media Posts: What’s Happening?
Big tech companies like Meta are using personal data from social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to train their AI system, reports RNZ. Despite promises to only use public posts, Meta’s privacy policy allows them to utilise any content on their platforms, including private posts and messages. This data is crucial for developing AI models like Meta’s Llama, which relies on vast amounts of digital information. Users may not realise the extent to which their data is being harvested, as they’ve implicitly agreed to these terms by using these platforms.
European Resistance and Data Privacy
The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has posed significant challenges for companies like Meta, forcing them to delay AI training on content from European users. This regulation offers stronger privacy protections than those available in New Zealand, creating legal obstacles for companies eager to improve their AI models using user-generated content. However, despite these regulations, there are ongoing legal battles over the early data gathering practices of AI giants like OpenAI, with claims that they have violated copyright and data protection laws.
New Zealand’s Desired Approach to AI, Privacy and Better Protections
In New Zealand, there are growing calls to modernise the Privacy Act to better align with global standards, especially given the rise of AI technologies. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has highlighted the risks associated with AI, such as data leaks and misuse for scams. Updating privacy laws could provide better protections and support the safe use of AI. Minister Judith Collins has indicated that while New Zealand has existing regulatory frameworks, a flexible approach might be needed to address potential AI-related harms, drawing lessons from international peers.
(Visit RNZ for the full story)
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