Meta AI: Australian users can't opt out of data retention, company...
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Facebook's Data Collection Policy
Facebook parent company Meta has admitted that its millions of Australian users are unable to opt out of having their data used to train the company’s artificial intelligence models. This practice is in contrast to users in the European Union who have the option to opt out.
Since altering its privacy policy for Australian users in June, Facebook has been collecting extensive amounts of public Facebook posts dating back almost two decades. This data includes text, photos, and status updates, which are used to train its language model, named Llama.
Insights from the Senate Inquiry
During a Senate inquiry into the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, Meta’s global privacy director, Melinda Claybaugh, confirmed that Australian users currently do not have the choice to opt out of this massive data collection.
Claybaugh explained that the option given to European Union users to refuse data collection is due to the region's stringent privacy laws. However, the same option is not provided to Australian users at present.
Response from Meta
When questioned by Labor senator Tony Sheldon about providing Australian users with the same opt-out option as the EU, Claybaugh stated that the current offering in Europe was a response to a specific legal framework and couldn't address future possibilities.
Despite concerns raised by senators about the extensive data scraping by Meta for AI training purposes, the company stands by its decision to utilize text and images from public posts dating back to 2007.
Implications for Privacy Laws in Australia
Following the Senate inquiry, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of Australia's privacy laws in the face of Meta's data collection practices. There are calls for an overhaul of the Privacy Act to address the evolving challenges posed by AI technologies.
Labor senator Tony Sheldon emphasized the need for stronger privacy legislation to prevent tech companies from exploiting user data without explicit consent. He highlighted the potential risks of using personal information for AI training without adequate safeguards.
Call for Stronger Privacy Legislation
Independent senator David Pocock echoed the sentiment for robust privacy laws akin to those in the European Union to ensure greater accountability and transparency from social media giants like Meta. He also expressed concerns about the impact of social media algorithms on vulnerable groups, particularly young people.
Meta's Stance on AI and Privacy
Meta has faced criticism in multiple countries over its data collection practices but maintains that it aligns with industry standards observed by other AI firms. The company asserts its commitment to responsible AI development and emphasizes the importance of privacy compliance within different jurisdictions.
While Meta currently lacks an opt-out feature for data collection, it offers tools within its platforms for users to manage their personal information shared with Meta's AI. The company assures users that it adheres to local privacy laws regarding data usage for AI training purposes.
Continual Improvement in AI Practices
Meta's regional public policy head, Simon Milner, defended the company's AI capabilities, noting that the technology evolves through user feedback and aims to minimize biases. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the AI tool's performance and address concerns related to political sensitivities.
The Senate committee investigating AI adoption is expected to present its findings to parliament by September 19.
