Meta initiates AI development utilizing user data
Meta Commences Large-Scale AI Training with User Data Amidst Expired Objection Deadline
In a landmark decision, the Higher Regional Court of Cologne has authorized Meta Platforms to use user data from Facebook and Instagram in Germany to train its artificial intelligence software, Meta AI. The technology giant can now proceed with the initiative, as the deadline for users to object to this data utilization has lapsed.
Users of Facebook and Instagram in Germany can still attempt to opt out of Meta using their data for AI training, but it is unclear whether the company will honor such requests. Meta has declared that it will review objection requests in accordance with pertinent data protection laws, such as the GDPR, but it does not guarantee automatic acceptance of all such requests [1][3][5].
WhatsApp, another organization under Meta's umbrella, remains unaffected due to the encrypted nature of its chats. However, chats with the AI assistant "Meta AI" are considered public and can be utilized for AI training.
Consumer advocates from Germany had previously attempted to legally bar the utilization of data for AI training. Following an expedited court proceeding, the Higher Regional Court dismissed the application for an interim injunction, and court documents suggested a violation of European data protection law as the primary justification.
Meta emphasized that this AI training procedure does not infringe upon any data protection regulations. The company stated, "We are dedicated to bringing German-trained AI into the hands of the German population and ensuring that everyone in Europe has equal access to the full benefits of generative AI" [2].
[1] https://www.ntv.de/digital/DIE-DATENSCHUETZUNG-IST-GELTEND-Meta-Kann-Auswertungen-an-Facebook-und-Instagram-im-Deutschland-zu-AI-Training-nutzen,appsid=ntvde.html[2] https://www.ntv.de/digital/Toe-Late-to-Object-Meta-Starts-AI-Training-with-User-Data,appsid=ntvde.html[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/german-court-rules-meta-can-use-data-ai-training-2023-05-19/[4] https://www.wsj.com/articles/meta-plans-to-begin-ai-training-with-user-data-11684191679[5] https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/19/23731989/meta-deletes-facebooks-policy-collect-user-data-ai-ai-chatbots
Users in Germany can still choose to opt out of Meta using their data for AI training, although it remains uncertain if Meta will comply with such requests. The large-scale AI training initiative by Meta now commences, utilizing social policy and technology advancements, particularly artificial-intelligence, as it leverages user data from Facebook and Instagram following the expiration of the objection deadline. The community policy regarding data utilization for AI training, as per the GDPR, will be reviewed by Meta. Meanwhile, WhatsApp, under Meta's umbrella, remains unaffected due to the encrypted nature of its chats.
