Meta, previously known as Facebook, has decided to halt its plans to utilize personal data for training its artificial intelligence technology in Europe. This decision comes after facing privacy complaints from a Vienna-based privacy campaign group called the European Center for Digital Rights, also known as Noyb. The complaints were filed in 11 European countries, accusing Meta of intending to use personal data unlawfully to train unspecified current and future AI technology.
The complaints arose following an announcement by Meta about a planned change in its privacy policy, scheduled to take effect on June 26. According to Noyb, Meta was planning to utilize both public and non-public user data collected since 2007 for its AI technology. This move prompted the group to urge data protection authorities in the 11 European countries to intervene and investigate Meta’s new privacy policy before its implementation.
In response to the complaints, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) issued a statement expressing its approval of Meta’s decision to pause its AI training plans using public content from Facebook and Instagram across the EU/EEA. The DPC stated that it had engaged extensively with Meta on this matter and would continue working with other EU data protection authorities. However, they emphasized the need for an official change in Meta’s privacy policy to make the commitment legally binding.
Max Schrems, the founder of Noyb, acknowledged Meta’s decision but highlighted that the filed cases against the tech giant were ongoing and required further investigation. Schrems pointed out that Noyb has been actively addressing privacy concerns by initiating legal actions against major technology companies since the introduction of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation in 2018.
Meta’s decision to pause its AI training using personal data in Europe showcases the importance of protecting user privacy and adhering to data protection regulations. The collaboration between regulatory authorities and advocacy groups like Noyb plays a crucial role in ensuring that tech companies uphold transparency and accountability in their data practices. Moving forward, it will be essential for Meta to address privacy concerns effectively and engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders to achieve a balance between innovation and data protection.