Meta Faces Pressure to Stop Training AI Model with EU User Data

By Netvora Tech News

Eight European consumer organizations have urged Meta to refrain from training its AI model with data from European users. The company plans to use user data from Facebook and Instagram in the EU, starting from May 27, unless users proactively object. Once the AI training begins, the data cannot be removed from the models. This issue goes beyond privacy concerns, as it also raises questions about trust in technology companies and individuals' right to control their own data. "Who would have thought that personal updates, photos from your childhood or your children's photos would be used as training material for AI?" says Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumer Federation. "No one should secretly use information from your digital diary without your consent." According to Molenaar, the opt-out approach Meta is using, where users are not asked for consent but must actively object, is the opposite of what is needed. "Meta must simply comply with the law. This means that the company must explicitly ask consumers for permission before using their data and must always allow them to withdraw that consent." Finn Myrstad, from the Norwegian consumer organization Forbrukerradet, is calling on Norwegian Facebook and Instagram users to actively object to the use of their data. "We expect Meta to respect privacy laws and not undermine fundamental consumer rights," he says.

The consumer organizations are concerned that Meta's approach violates European data protection regulations.
They argue that Meta should obtain explicit consent from users before using their data for AI training.
The organizations are urging users to proactively object to the use of their data.