Meta Platforms will soon begin training its artificial intelligence (AI) models using public content shared by UK adults on Facebook and Instagram. This comes after the company paused AI training in the region following a regulatory backlash earlier this year.
The company announced it will use public posts, including photos, captions, and comments, to train its generative AI models. Meta emphasized that no private messages or content from users under 18 years old will be used.
Meta initially halted its AI model launch across Europe in mid-June after the Irish privacy regulator asked the company to delay its data use plans. The pause allowed Meta to address requests from Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Since then, Meta has worked closely with the ICO to clarify regulations. The company says this engagement will enable it to bring AI-powered products to the UK more quickly.
Starting next week, UK users of Facebook and Instagram will receive in-app notifications about the company’s AI training process. The notifications will explain how users can object to their data being used for training. Meta has made changes to simplify the objection process and extended the time users have to opt out.
In June, Meta faced criticism from advocacy group NOYB, which argued that Meta’s previous notifications did not meet the EU’s privacy standards. The group urged national privacy watchdogs to take action against Meta’s plans.
