Brazil suspends Meta from using Instagram posts to train AI
Brazil has blocked Meta from using Brazilians' Instagram and Facebook posts to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. It comes weeks after the company abandoned similar plans to use UK and European users' posts for the same purpose.
National Data Protection Agency (ANPD) Action
On Tuesday, Brazil's national data protection agency (ANPD) said it would immediately suspend Meta's latest privacy policy, which allows it to train generative AI models such as chatbots based on posts from its users. A Meta spokesperson told the BBC the company was "disappointed by the decision", adding that their approach complied with local privacy laws.
Market Presence in Brazil
Meta has a significant market in Brazil with 102 million Facebook users and more than 113 million Instagram users in the country.
Regulatory Measures and Consequences
The ANPD acted due to the "imminent risk of serious and irreparable damage or difficulty repairing fundamental rights of the affected account holders." Meta was given five working days to show it has amended its privacy policy, failing which it will face daily fines.
Global Policy Scrutiny
The company's updated policy faced scrutiny in the UK and the EU where it intended to use user information to develop and improve its AI products. However, the implementation was delayed in these regions.
Concerns and Discrepancies
Pedro Martins from Data Privacy Brasil highlighted the discrepancies in Meta's data protection measures for Brazilian and European users. The regulator also found potential breaches of the country's data protection laws regarding the collection of personal data from children and teenagers.
Response and Further Inquiries
The BBC has reached out to Meta for clarifications on the claims and differences in opting out steps for users in Brazil compared to Europe.
