🇪🇺 Meta's AI Launch Delayed
Meta has postponed the launch of its new Meta AI features in the European Union. This decision comes after the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) requested a delay. The DPC is concerned about how Meta plans to train its large language models (LLMs) using data from EU users.
🔍 Privacy Concerns
Meta's global engagement director for privacy policy, Stefano Fratta, expressed disappointment. He stated, "We’re disappointed by the request from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), our lead regulator, on behalf of the European DPAs, to delay training our large language models (LLMs) using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram." Privacy group NOYB speculated that complaints led to this decision.
👥 Reactions and Criticism
Max Schrems, NOYB's chair, welcomed the development but demanded legal binding changes to Meta's privacy policy. "So far, there has been no official change to the Meta privacy policy that would make this commitment legally binding," Schrems said. He criticized Meta's press release, suggesting it implied collective punishment.
🌐 Broader Impact
The Irish DPC acknowledged Meta's decision but provided little detail. A statement from the DPC mentioned, "The DPC welcomes the decision by Meta to pause its plans to train its large language model using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram across the EU/EEA." Meta also needs to address concerns from the UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) before proceeding.
How should Meta address the EU's privacy concerns?
