Meta admits scraping Aussie data to train AI tools - Pelican News
Photos and posts Australians have shared on Facebook and Instagram dating back to 2007, including images of children, are being used to train Meta’s generative AI tools, an inquiry has heard. Meta executives confirmed its use of users’ data at the Senate inquiry into Adopting Artificial Intelligence on Wednesday.
One representative said it was “incredibly helpful to have a lot of data from Australians” to develop AI technology. The executives also revealed options allowing users to prevent their data being used, like those available in Europe, would not be extended to Australians.
Impact of AI on Data Usage
The inquiry, which is expected to present a final report next week, is tasked with examining AI trends, opportunities, and risks, as well as its impact on elections and the environment. Meta's privacy policy global director, Melinda Claybaugh, told the Senate committee that the tech giant ingested content users shared on its platforms to train its generative AI tools, Llama and Meta AI, if they chose to share it publicly.
Ms. Claybaugh also said Meta did not use photos posted by children to train AI but, under questioning from Labor Senator Tony Sheldon, revealed any photos of children that had been shared by adults were being used. “We are using public photos posted by people over 18,” she said.
Privacy Concerns and User Options
Ms. Claybaugh said Australian Facebook and Instagram users could avoid having their content used to train AI by removing it from public view, but said they would not be offered an AI opt-out option available in some other nations. Meta Asia Pacific public policy vice-president Simon Milner also defended the company’s use of Australians’ information, telling senators risks including bias could be addressed by training AI models using more local data.
“Having a rich corpus of Australian data is extremely important to be able to provide good services for Australians,” Mr. Milner said. The Senate committee, which has also heard from tech firms including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, is expected to present a final report by September 19.
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