Meta Plans to Educate Its AI Models Using Data from European Users…
Meta AI’s Training Resumes with EU User Data
Meta announced on April 14, 2025, that it has restarted its efforts to train its AI models using data from users in the European Union (EU). The company plans to utilize all public posts and comments shared by adults across its social media platforms to enhance the capabilities of Meta AI. Additionally, the interactions that users have with the AI chatbot will also be included in the training process.
Background on Meta AI Launch
The launch of Meta AI in the EU took place in March 2025, after nearly a yearlong pause due to concerns raised by EU data regulators regarding user privacy and data protection. The company highlighted its commitment to create AI that is tailored specifically for European users, emphasizing the importance of diverse data to encapsulate the unique cultural and social nuances inherent in European communities.
Meta asserted that training AI models using user data is not exclusive to Europe. Similar practices occur in other regions where Meta AI is operational, ensuring a consistent approach globally.
Rules for Data Usage
It’s important to note that data used for training Meta AI will only come from adult users’ public posts and interactions. Any public data from users younger than 18 in the EU will be excluded from the training datasets. Furthermore, Meta guarantees that private messages exchanged through platforms like iMessage and WhatsApp will not be utilized in AI training.
Users in the EU will begin receiving notifications starting this week about the terms concerning the new AI training methods. These notifications will either come through the app or via email.
Opting Out of Data Usage
Included in these notifications will be a link to a consent withdrawal form. Meta has pledged to make this form clear and easily accessible. Users can use this form to deny consent for their data to be utilized in training Meta AI. The company committed to honoring any objection forms that were submitted previously, as well as newly submitted ones.
Experts have raised concerns about data control once it is integrated into large language model (LLM) databases. According to privacy advocates, like those from Proton, the organization behind a popular VPN service, individuals may find it nearly impossible to exercise their rights under the GDPR, including the right to be forgotten.
Privacy Experts Weigh In
Proton has advised European users concerned about their privacy to consider opting out of the Meta AI training program. They stressed the unpredictable future uses of the data, emphasizing caution as a prudent approach. Their guidance encourages users to complete the opt-out form when it is presented to them.
Current Regulatory Scrutiny
Meta’s announcement arrives concurrently with an ongoing investigation by Irish data regulators into another platform’s AI practices. This inquiry focuses on whether X’s Grok AI complies with GDPR regulations while using publicly available posts for AI training. This regulatory attention reflects the increasing scrutiny of AI data usage across Europe, as ethical and legislative frameworks continue to evolve in response to public concerns.
In summary, as Meta moves forward with its AI training initiatives in the EU, users are encouraged to stay informed about the implications of data usage and to exercise their rights regarding privacy and consent.
