Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has decided to pause its plans to utilize personal data for training its artificial intelligence technology in Europe. This decision came after the social media giant faced privacy complaints from a Vienna-based privacy campaign group.
Complaints from the European Center for Digital Rights
The European Center for Digital Rights, also known as Noyb (“None of Your Business”), filed complaints in 11 European countries against Meta. The group expressed concerns that Meta’s planned privacy policy change would enable an “unlawful” use of personal data to train an unspecified type of current and future AI technology.
Use of User Data Since 2007
Upon investigating, the group discovered that Meta intended to utilize both public and non-public user data collected since 2007 for its AI technology. This revelation led the group to request data protection authorities in the 11 European countries to intervene and halt Meta’s new privacy policy before it takes effect in late June.
In response to the privacy complaints and subsequent dialogue with Meta, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) announced that Meta has decided to pause its plans to train its large language model using public content shared on Facebook and Instagram in the EU/EEA. The DPC described the decision as a positive development but emphasized the need for continued monitoring as no official changes to Meta’s privacy policy have been made.
Max Schrems, the founder of Noyb, acknowledged Meta’s decision to pause its plans but highlighted that the legal cases filed by Noyb against the technology giant are ongoing and require a resolution. Schrems has been instrumental in initiating legal action against tech giants since the implementation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation in 2018.
Meta’s decision to pause its use of personal data for AI training in Europe reflects the growing concerns surrounding privacy and data protection in the digital age. The ongoing dialogue between regulatory authorities, advocacy groups, and tech companies highlights the importance of transparency and compliance with privacy regulations to uphold individuals’ rights in the realm of technology.
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