Meta aims to utilize user data for educating AI models.
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, is planning to use user content for training artificial intelligence in the future. Those who don't want their data used without permission need to actively object, but consumer advocates argue this process is complicated and not user-friendly.
The Consumer Center in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has issued a warning against Meta to prevent them from using user data without consent for AI training. The company's European subsidiary, Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd., has been ordered to cease and desist.
Meta recently sent mass emails to users of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads to inform them of changes to their data protection policy. The email reads, "We are updating our data protection policy because we are expanding AI at Meta." Users are also told of their right to object.
Consumer advocates in North Rhine-Westphalia are concerned about the process of objecting, stating it's "very complicated and not user-friendly." They also criticize Meta's recent move to analyze private photo libraries more extensively, with the Facebook app now suggesting what photos or videos users could share on the platform.
The Consumer Center NRW views both changes - AI training and photo analysis - as violations of user data protection rights.
Meta defends its actions, claiming they are not in violation of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In the email to users, the company says, "To be able to offer you these user experiences, we will in the future refer to the legal basis of legitimate interest when we use your information to develop and improve AI at Meta." However, consumer advocates disagree with this interpretation of data protection law.
"Meta is making it too easy for itself here," says Wolfgang Schuldzinski, chairperson of the Consumer Center NRW. User data used for AI training should not be used without their consent. "Because the data used for this purpose can be very sensitive." Users may not have been aware in the past that the information they posted would one day be used for AI training. The company has until June 19, 2024, to issue a cease and desist declaration following the warning from the Consumer Center NRW. If the deadline is not met, the consumer advocates have the option to file a lawsuit.
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Meta, as the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, is deliberating on utilizing user data to instruct AI models. However, the process of objecting to this data usage is criticized for being complex and not user-friendly by consumer advocates. The Consumer Center in North Rhine-Westphalia has cautioned Meta against using user data without consent for AI training, and Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. has been ordered to halt this practice. Meta has notified users of changes to their data protection policy, citing the expansion of AI at the company.
