Meta Begins AI Training with EU User Data After GDPR Approval
Meta has announced that it will begin training its artificial intelligence models using public user data from adults in the EU, following approval from the European Data Protection Board. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing conversation about AI and data privacy within the EU, particularly under the stringent requirements of the GDPR. Meta will use public posts, comments, and interactions with Meta AI across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, to train its generative AI systems.
Respecting User Privacy
The tech giant emphasized that no private messages or content from users under the age of 18 will be included. Additionally, users in the EU can opt out by submitting an objection form, aligning with GDPR’s emphasis on consent and transparency. Meta clarified that the training data will only include publicly available content, aiming to improve its AI’s understanding of local languages, dialects, and cultural nuances across the EU. Meta launched Meta AI in the EU in March and plans to integrate the chat assistant widely into Instagram, WhatsApp, and other platforms. The company believes this move will enhance user experience by offering AI that better reflects European languages and cultural contexts. It also pointed out that competitors like Google and OpenAI have already trained their models using similar data sources in the EU.
Addressing GDPR Concerns
Previously, Meta had held back its multimodal AI models from the EU due to uncertainties surrounding GDPR compliance. In June, privacy advocates in the region filed complaints across 11 EU countries, arguing that Meta’s earlier AI training plans could violate GDPR protections. Now, with a green light from regulators, Meta appears confident that its revised approach meets legal standards. As Meta pushes forward with integrating AI into Instagram, WhatsApp, and its broader ecosystem, the balancing act between innovation and GDPR compliance will remain in the spotlight—especially in the highly regulated EU digital space.
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