Meta has paused plans to utilize personal data for training its artificial intelligence technology in Europe, according to Ireland’s regulator on Friday, following privacy complaints lodged against the social media giant.
Last week, a Vienna-based privacy advocacy group, Noyb (“None of Your Business”), filed complaints in 11 European countries. They argued that Meta’s proposed privacy policy changes could enable unlawful use of personal data to train various current and future AI technologies.
These complaints were prompted by Meta’s recent announcement informing European users of a privacy policy amendment effective from June 26. Noyb claimed Meta intended to utilize all public and non-public user data collected since 2007 for AI purposes.
In response to the complaints, Noyb urged data protection authorities in the 11 countries to intervene and halt the implementation of Meta’s new privacy policy, calling for a thorough investigation.
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) welcomed Meta’s decision to suspend plans to train its large language model using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram across the EU/EEA. The DPC noted ongoing engagement with Meta and fellow EU data protection authorities on this issue.
Noyb’s founder, Max Schrems, expressed cautious optimism about Meta’s pause but emphasized that the legal cases filed by Noyb against tech giants are ongoing and require resolution.
Since 2018, Noyb has actively pursued legal actions against major technology firms, often catalyzing regulatory responses, especially in light of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
