Meta AI Set to Launch in the EU, Yet with Restrictions

Meta AI Launches in the EU

Meta has recently announced that its AI-powered virtual assistant, Meta AI, is now available in the European Union. This launch comes after extensive discussions with European privacy regulators. While the assistant has been operational in the United States since 2023, the EU version will come with a more streamlined set of features.

Availability on WhatsApp in the UK

In addition to the EU rollout, Meta confirmed that Meta AI will also be introduced on WhatsApp in the United Kingdom. Previously, this assistant has been accessible only on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Ray-Ban Meta glasses since its October debut in the UK.

Differences in Features

Meta AI in the U.S. offers a range of capabilities, including not just chat and Q&A but also the ability to generate images and create stylistic selfies. However, these innovative features are not available in the European version at this time.

Expanding Reach Across Europe

Following its introduction in the EU, Meta AI will gradually be rolled out to all 27 EU member states and 14 additional countries, such as Iceland, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland. Besides one-on-one conversations, users can also engage the assistant in group chats, starting with WhatsApp before expanding to other messaging platforms.

Navigating Privacy Regulations

The launch of Meta AI comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding user privacy. The EU has stringent privacy regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which necessitates that companies obtain a valid legal basis for using personal data to train AI systems.

• Meta has been using user-generated content for AI training in the U.S.
• However, privacy issues in the EU led to a temporary halt in its plans.
• Meta’s approach to data consent was critiqued, requiring users to opt out rather than opt in.

To launch its assistant in the EU, Meta confirmed that this version has not been trained on data from local users. Therefore, the company will not be requesting consent from EU users, as it claims it used different data sources for this AI model.

Regulatory Landscape in the UK

Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, it is still bound by data protection rules similar to GDPR. Last year, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office questioned Meta’s data practices. After making some adjustments to its data use policies, Meta was able to launch its assistant in the UK without any formal objections from regulators.

Features of Meta AI

Currently, Meta AI in the EU brings an “intelligent chat function” in six key languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Italian. The AI functions similarly to a chatbot embedded within Meta’s apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook.

How to Use Meta AI

To access the assistant, users can click a little blue circle icon or type “@MetaAI” followed by their query. Users can ask for various information, from restaurant recommendations to tourist attractions.

Future Plans

Although this launch is a step forward, it represents only the beginning of Meta’s efforts in Europe. The company intends to bring more features to the continent over time, aiming to reach a level of functionality comparable to that in the U.S. This ambition may lead to further confrontations between Meta and European regulators.

The Data Protection Commission in Ireland, responsible for overseeing Meta’s operations in the EU, has stated it will closely monitor this new AI launch and its compliance with privacy standards.