Meta initiates AI model preparation using user data for improvements.
Meta Commences AI Training with User Data from Germany, Despite Opt-Out Deadline Expiration
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has received court approval to begin training its artificial intelligence systems with user data from Germany. The company plans to analyze all previous posts on Facebook and Instagram to enhance its AI models.
The deadline for users to object to this data usage has elapsed. The Higher Regional Court of Cologne ruled last week that Meta could use user posts from these platforms to train its AI software, Meta AI, in an urgent procedure. WhatsApp is not included due to its end-to-end encryption. However, conversations with the Meta AI assistant are deemed public and may be used for training.
Initially, users were given until May 26, 2025, to opt out of this data utilization, with instructions clear and accessible. While missed deadlines might still enable user opt-outs, the effectiveness of this action post-training initiation is unclear. It is recommended that users follow any available opt-out instructions to prevent their data from being employed for AI training purposes.
The Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia had filed a lawsuit, alleging a breach of European data protection law. Meta asserted that the AI training procedure complied with data protection rules. "Our aim is to bring German-trained AI to the German population and provide equal access to the full benefits of generative AI for everyone in Europe," a Meta spokesperson stated.
Legal challenges persist in Germany. The Hamburg Data Protection Commissioner (HmbBfDI) and consumer protection agencies remain doubtful about the legality of Meta's data processing for AI training. These ongoing legal actions may influence changes in user data handling procedures in the future.
- Meta Platforms
- Artificial Intelligence
- Justice
[1] Users must opt out before training begins, per Article 21 GDPR.
[2] Hamburg Data Protection Commissioner and consumer protection agencies are questioning the legality of Meta's data processing for AI training.
[3] Efficiency of opting out post-training initiation is not clearly defined.
[4] European data protection law is being challenged.
[5] Deadline for user opt-out was May 26, 2025.
- The community policy regarding Meta Platforms' use of artificial intelligence, as outlined by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), states that users must opt out before the AI training commences on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Despite Meta Platforms' AI training initiation with user data from Germany, there are ongoing legal challenges, with the Hamburg Data Protection Commissioner and consumer protection agencies expressing doubts about the legality of Meta's data processing for AI training.
