Wednesday, 2 April 2025
27.6 C
Singapore
35.5 C
Thailand
27.4 C
Indonesia
27.3 C
Philippines

Meta postpones AI launch in Europe over privacy concerns

Meta postpones the AI launch in Europe due to privacy concerns. EU regulators review Meta's data usage from Facebook and Instagram for AI training.

Meta has paused its AI expansion plans in Europe due to concerns over using user data from Facebook and Instagram. This decision came after the Irish privacy regulator urged Meta to halt its plans to use data from European users.

According to Reuters, Metaโ€™s delay follows complaints and calls for action from the advocacy group NOYB. This group has pushed data protection authorities in several countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Spain, to scrutinise Meta’s data practices. The main concern is that Metaโ€™s use of public posts on Facebook and Instagram for AI training may breach EU data usage regulations.

Meta has admitted to using public posts to power its AI models, specifically the Llama models, but insists it does not use restricted updates or private messages. Meta argues that this approach complies with user privacy agreements.

Metaโ€™s response

In a blog post last month, Meta clarified its data usage policies for European users. The company stated, โ€œWe use publicly available online and licensed information to train AI at Meta and the information people have shared publicly on Metaโ€™s products and services. This information includes things like public posts or public photos and their captions. In the future, we may also use the information people share when interacting with our generative AI features, like Meta AI, or with a business to develop and improve our AI products. We donโ€™t use the content of your private messages with friends and family to train our AIs.โ€

Meta has been transparent with European users through in-app alerts about how their data might be used. Despite this, the company’s plans are now on hold until EU regulators review these concerns and their compliance with GDPR.

Impact on creators

This situation presents a challenge because Meta can argue that its data usage is covered under its broad user agreements. However, many users might not realise that their public posts are included in Metaโ€™s AI data pool. For creators aiming to reach a broad audience on Facebook and Instagram, Metaโ€™s AI models could utilise their public content without explicit consent.

When you see AI-generated content from Meta that resembles your work, it likely draws from your public posts. This issue is part of a broader concern regarding AI models and their use of web data. Technically, Meta is correct in saying it has disclosed such practices in its agreements. However, EU officials are likely to demand more explicit permissions, requiring users to agree to their content being used for AI training specifically.

The most probable outcome is that European users must give explicit consent for Metaโ€™s AI models to repurpose their content. For now, this means a further delay in the rollout of Metaโ€™s AI tools in Europe.

Hot this week

Krafton strengthens presence in India with Nautilus Mobile acquisition

Krafton acquires a controlling stake in Indian gaming studio Nautilus Mobile for US$14M, strengthening its foothold in Indiaโ€™s growing gaming market.

RedCurl group linked to new ransomware strain in first documented attack

Bitdefender uncovers RedCurl's first ransomware campaign, revealing QWCrypt's unique tactics and the group's evolving cyber threat model.

AI-generated Studio Ghibli art raises fresh copyright concerns

OpenAIโ€™s AI image tool sparks controversy after generating Studio Ghibli-style art, raising new copyright concerns. Legal experts weigh in.

Chinese EV makers urged to expand globally despite tariff challenges

Chinese EV makers are urged to expand globally despite rising tariffs. Industry experts stress the need for overseas production and strategic partnerships.

These robot vacuums are getting smarter with Apple Home support

Appleโ€™s iOS 18.4 update adds Matter support for robot vacuums, enabling control via Apple Home. Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are updating their devices.

Zelle is removing its stand-alone app

Zelle is shutting down its stand-alone app, but you can still use the service through your bankโ€™s app. Hereโ€™s what you need to know.

Apple may launch an AI-powered Health app with a coaching feature next year

Apple may introduce an AI-powered Health app with coaching, food tracking, and fitness guidance in 2026, possibly as a new subscription service.

These robot vacuums are getting smarter with Apple Home support

Appleโ€™s iOS 18.4 update adds Matter support for robot vacuums, enabling control via Apple Home. Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are updating their devices.

Gmail introduces easier encryption for business emails

Google introduces a new encryption model for Gmail, making it easier for businesses to send secure emails without special software or certificates.

Related Articles