Meta Platforms will not launch its Meta AI models in Europe for now. The Irish privacy regulator asked Meta to delay its plan to use data from Facebook and Instagram users, the company said on Friday.
Meta decided to pause after complaints from NOYB, an advocacy group. NOYB urged data protection authorities in several countries to act against Meta. The issue is Meta’s plan to use personal data to train its AI models without asking for consent. Meta said it would only use publicly available and licensed online information.
On Friday, Meta said the Irish privacy watchdog requested a delay in training its large language models using public content from Facebook and Instagram adult users.
Meta expressed disappointment with the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) request, saying it hinders European innovation and competition in AI. The company stated that without local information, it can’t offer a high-quality experience, so it won’t launch Meta AI in Europe for now.
The DPC welcomed Meta’s pause, noting it followed intense discussions with the regulator. Meta also said the delay would help address requests from Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
The ICO appreciated Meta’s decision and will continue to monitor major AI developers, including Meta, to ensure UK users’ information rights are protected.
Max Schrems, NOYB’s chair, linked Meta’s pause to their complaints filed last week. He noted that there has been no official change to Meta’s privacy policy, and ongoing cases will need a final decision.
Source: Reuters
