Massive Win for Privacy: EU Shuts Down Meta’s AI Plans!

Belgium-based NGO, noyb, has successfully agitated for a stoppage to Meta’s AI training using public content from Facebook.

Meta Halts AI Plans in the EU Amid Regulatory Pressure

Meta has decided to pause its AI plans in the EU following 11 complaints from noyb and other organisations, alongside pressure from EU data protection authorities (DPAs). Previously, Meta had claimed a “legitimate interest” in processing user data for AI, with an opt-out option for users. The Data Protection Commission (DPC) initially approved Meta’s AI integration but reversed its stance after engaging with Meta and facing pushback from other regulators.

Regulatory U-Turn and noyb’s Role

The DPC announced Meta’s decision to stop training its large language model using public content from Facebook and Instagram in the EU/EEA. This change came after intense discussions with Meta and mounting pressure from complaints by noyb and public reactions from EU/EEA DPAs. Max Schrems, chair of noyb, welcomed the decision but noted that there is no official change to Meta’s privacy policy yet, and ongoing cases still require determination.

Opt-In Consent: A Missed Opportunity?

Meta’s announcement implies that EU/EEA users will not have access to AI services for now, although GDPR allows data processing with valid opt-in consent. Schrems criticized Meta’s approach, suggesting that the company could still implement AI if it sought user consent. The timing of the announcement, late on a Friday, hints at an attempt to minimize media coverage and its potential impact on Meta’s stock prices.

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*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.