Plans by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to utilize users’ public posts and images for training its artificial intelligence (AI) tools have come under fire from digital rights organizations. Meta has recently notified users in the UK and Europe about privacy policy changes effective June 26, indicating that their data may be used to enhance AI products. This includes publicly shared posts, images, captions, comments, and stories from users aged 18 and above, excluding private messages.
Using Facebook, Instagram For AI Criticized
Noyb, a European digital rights advocacy group, has criticized Meta’s processing of years’ worth of user content as an “abuse of personal data for AI” and has filed complaints with 11 data protection authorities across Europe, urging immediate action to halt Meta’s plans. Meta maintains that its approach complies with relevant privacy laws and aligns with practices of other major tech companies in Europe. In a blog post, Meta stated that European user data will contribute to expanding its generative AI experiences by providing diverse cultural and linguistic training data.
Tech companies are actively seeking diverse data formats to enhance AI models powering chatbots, image generators, and other AI products. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, emphasized the importance of the company’s “unique data” for its AI strategy. Chris Cox, Meta’s chief product officer, mentioned in May that the company already utilizes public Facebook and Instagram user data for generative AI products globally.
Criticism has also been directed at Meta’s notification process regarding the change in data usage. Users in the UK and Europe received notifications or emails informing them about the upcoming use of their data for AI purposes, relying on legitimate interests as the legal basis for processing data. Users have the option to opt-out by exercising their “right to object” through a linked form, although this process has been criticized for being cumbersome and potentially dissuasive. Noyb co-founder Max Schrems argued that Meta should seek user consent rather than requiring users to opt-out.
Meta defends its notification process as legally compliant and comparable to industry practices. According to its privacy policy, Meta will honor objections and cease using information unless there are compelling reasons that outweigh user rights or interests. However, Meta asserts that it may still utilize certain information for AI products, such as publicly shared images featuring individuals who do not have Meta accounts or have objected to data usage.
Read more information here… https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw99n3qjeyjo
The Irish Data Protection Commission, responsible for ensuring Meta’s compliance with EU data law, confirmed receiving a complaint from Noyb and is investigating the matter.
Disclaimer
We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. readmore
See Our Latest Posts In technology Trends
