Meta to train AI on EU users’ data
Meta has announced plans to begin training its artificial intelligence models using publicly available content in the European Union. This decision follows the company’s ongoing efforts to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which governs the use of personal data within the EU. By focusing on public content, Meta aims to enhance its AI capabilities while adhering to strict privacy standards set forth by European regulators.
Meta already had faced challenges in the EU due to privacy laws that require a clear legal basis for processing personal data for AI training. In June 2024, Meta halted its plans to train AI systems with user data in the EU and the United Kingdom after receiving pushback from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC). However, in September 2024, the company indicated that it would restart efforts to train its AI using public posts from users in the UK, and now it extends this to the EU user base.
Meta stated that it has engaged with the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) to clarify legal obligations, which allowed the company to proceed with its plans. Users in the EU will receive notifications through the app and via email, informing them about the use of public data for AI training. These notifications will include a form for users to opt out of having their data used, and Meta has committed to honoring all objection forms received.
Importantly, Meta clarified that it will not use private messages or public data from users under the age of 18 in the EU for AI training. The company emphasized its responsibility to create AI tailored for European users, reflecting the diverse cultures, dialects, and nuances present in the region. By following the example of other tech giants like Google and OpenAI, Meta aims to enhance its generative AI capabilities while adhering to EU privacy standards.
