Meta Platforms has resumed plans to use data from UK users’ Facebook and Instagram posts to train its artificial intelligence models. The social media giant announced it will soon begin incorporating data from adult accounts in the UK and Brazil to enhance its AI capabilities.
Regulatory approval granted
After facing regulatory challenges in the UK and EU, Meta has received approval from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s data protection authority, to proceed with its AI training initiatives. The company reported positive engagements with the ICO, which cleared the path for Meta to use first-party data under the legal basis of ‘Legitimate Interests.’ This approval marks a significant step forward after previous objections led to a temporary halt in Meta’s plans.
Meta clarified that it would not use private messages between friends and family to train its AI models. Additionally, data from accounts belonging to users under 18 will remain excluded from the training process. The company emphasized that only public posts from adult users on Facebook and Instagram will be utilized, ensuring compliance with privacy standards and protecting younger users’ information.
User notifications and opt-out options
Next week, Meta will notify UK users about its data usage for AI training through in-app notifications. These messages will explain Meta’s intentions and provide clear instructions on how users can opt-out if they do not wish their data to be used. This approach aims to enhance transparency and give users greater control over their personal information. Meta stated that this revised opt-out mechanism is designed to be more straightforward and accessible, addressing previous concerns about user consent and data processing.
Regulatory oversight and compliance
Stephen Almond, Executive Director of Regulatory Risk at the ICO, stated that the regulator will closely monitor Meta’s implementation of its data usage practices. Almond emphasized the importance of transparency and effective safeguards, urging organizations to provide clear options for users to object to data processing. Although the ICO has not formally approved Meta’s processing activities, it expects the company to demonstrate ongoing compliance with data protection regulations.
Meta’s decision to use UK user data for AI training follows a three-month pause after regulatory objections were raised. The Irish Data Protection Commission, the leading EU privacy regulator, had also expressed concerns about Meta’s proposal, highlighting the need for robust user consent mechanisms.
As Meta begins training its AI models with UK and Brazilian data, the company aims to create AI systems that better understand and reflect these regions’ cultural nuances, history, and idioms. This initiative underscores Meta’s commitment to developing advanced AI technologies while adhering to regulatory requirements and prioritizing user privacy.