Meta Platforms has announced plans to resume training its artificial intelligence models using public content shared by adult users in the European Union. This marks a significant step forward in the company’s AI development strategy following a temporary halt in 2023 due to regulatory concerns.
The training will draw from public content on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, including posts, comments, and user interactions with Meta’s generative AI tools such as AI stickers and Meta AI prompts.
The company explained that the move is aimed at improving the performance and safety of its AI models by grounding them in region-specific knowledge. According to Meta, “This training helps improve the performance, inclusiveness and safety of the AI experiences we’re building. It also helps us better understand the languages, geography and cultural references that are relevant in Europe.”
Meta further noted that integrating European users’ public content into AI training would enhance its models’ ability to interpret the region’s diverse languages, dialects, humour, and cultural nuances.
As part of its compliance efforts, Meta is offering a clear opt-out option. Beginning this week, users in the EU, European Economic Area, and the UK will receive notifications through Meta apps and emails informing them about the training plans. These messages will include a link to a simplified form allowing users to object to the use of their information for AI training. Meta stated it would honour all objections, including those previously submitted.
The company also clarified that no data from users under 18 or any private messages would be used in the training process.
Meta stressed that its approach aligns with the practices of other tech giants like Google and OpenAI, who have also used publicly available content to train AI models. “We’re doing what many others in the industry are already doing to train their AI models – using public content, including from the open web,” it said.
This development follows the European Data Protection Board’s confirmation that Meta’s updated data framework is in line with EU legal standards. Despite previous backlash from privacy advocates, Meta insists that its methods are transparent and respectful of user rights, aiming to build a more inclusive and responsive AI experience for European users.
