Meta Platforms has decided to hold off on launching its Meta AI models in Europe for the time being. This decision comes after the Irish privacy regulator instructed the company to postpone its plans to use data from Facebook and Instagram users. The move follows complaints and advocacy efforts by NOYB, prompting data protection authorities across Europe to take action against Meta.
The key issue at stake is Meta’s intention to leverage personal data to train its AI models without obtaining consent from users. While the company has stated that it will only utilize publicly available and licensed online information, concerns remain about data privacy. Meta revealed that the Irish Data Protection Commission requested a delay in training its large language models using content shared by adult Facebook and Instagram users.
In response to the regulator’s request, Meta expressed disappointment and emphasized the importance of incorporating local information for an optimal user experience. The company views the Irish DPC’s directive as a setback for innovation and competition in AI development in Europe. As a result, Meta has put the launch of its AI models in Europe on hold.
The Irish DPC welcomed Meta’s decision to pause its plans, commending the company for engaging intensively with the regulator. Meta’s decision also allows for addressing requests from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office. The ICO expressed its commitment to monitoring major developers of generative AI, including Meta, to ensure the protection of UK users’ information rights.
NOYB, the advocacy group that initiated complaints against Meta, attributed the temporary halt to its efforts. However, NOYB’s chair, Max Schrems, cautioned that while Meta has paused its plans, formal changes to its privacy policy are necessary for the commitment to be legally binding. The ongoing cases filed by NOYB will require further examination and determination.