Meta Postpones Launch of AI Models in Europe Following Privacy Concerns

Meta Platforms has decided to postpone the launch of its AI models in Europe for the time being after the Irish privacy regulator instructed the company to hold off on its plans to use data from Facebook and Instagram users. This move follows complaints and advocacy efforts by NOYB, which prompted data protection authorities across Europe to take action against Meta.

The key issue at stake is Meta’s intention to leverage personal data to train its AI models without obtaining consent from users. While the company has stated that it will only utilize publicly available and licensed online information, concerns remain about data privacy. Meta revealed that the Irish Data Protection Commission requested a delay in training its large language models using content shared by adult Facebook and Instagram users.

In response to the regulator’s request, Meta expressed disappointment and emphasized the importance of incorporating local information for an optimal user experience. The company views the Irish DPC’s directive as a setback for innovation and competition in AI development in Europe. As a result, Meta has put the launch of its AI models in Europe on hold.

The Irish DPC welcomed Meta’s decision to pause its plans, commending the company for engaging intensively with the regulator. Meta’s decision also allows for addressing requests from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office. The ICO expressed its commitment to monitoring major developers of generative AI, including Meta, to ensure the protection of UK users’ information rights.

NOYB, which initiated complaints against Meta, attributed this temporary halt to their efforts. However, NOYB’s chair Max Schrems cautioned that while Met