Meta announced on Friday that it was postponing efforts to train its large-scale language models.LLM (Master of Laws)) Use public content shared by adult users on Facebook and Instagram in the European Union On request From the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC).
The company expressed disappointment that it was forced to pause its AI plans after taking into account feedback from regional regulators and data protection authorities.
The problem is that Meta doesn’t ask for users’ explicit consent, instead “Legitimate interests‘ for processing of first-party and third-party data within the Region.
These changes are intended to allow users to opt out Users can make their data available by submitting a request on an “if you want” basis. Meta already uses user-generated content to train its AI in other markets, such as the US.
“This is a setback for European innovation, for the race to develop AI and will further delay bringing the benefits of AI to Europeans,” said Stefano Fratta, global engagement director at Meta Privacy Policy. Said.
“We are very confident that our approach complies with European laws and regulations. AI training is not specific to our services and we are more transparent than many of our industry peers.”
Also, Meta AI The company noted that expanding into Europe without the ability to train AI models based on locally collected information that captures diverse linguistic, geographic and cultural references would be tantamount to a “second-rate experience.”
The company said it was working with the DPC to bring its AI tool to Europe and noted the delay would help it respond to a request it received from the UK regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), before training could begin.
“To make the most of generative AI and the opportunities it brings, it is vital that citizens can trust that their privacy rights will be respected from the outset,” said Stephen Almond, the ICO’s executive director of regulatory risk. Said.
“We will continue to monitor leading developers of generative AI, including Meta, and review the safeguards they have in place to ensure that the information rights of UK users are protected.”
The move comes after Austrian non-profit organization noyb (no relation to you) filed complaints in 11 European countries alleging that the company was violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the regions by collecting users’ data and sharing it with third parties to develop unspecified AI technology.
“Meta is basically saying ‘you can use any data from any source for any purpose and make it available to anyone in the world,’ as long as it’s done via AI technology,” said noyb founder Max Schrems. “This is clearly the opposite of complying with GDPR.”
“Meta hasn’t revealed what it plans to use the data for, so it could be a simple chatbot, very aggressive personalized ads, or even killer drones. Meta also says that user data is open to anyone, anywhere in the world.”
Neub also criticized Meta for making disingenuous claims and characterizing the delay as “collective punishment,” pointing out that GDPR privacy law allows for the processing of personal data as long as users give informed opt-in consent.
“Meta could deploy its AI technology in Europe if it went to the trouble of asking people for their consent, but it appears that the company is doing everything it can to get opt-in consent for any processing.” Said.