EU criticizes Meta for using AI data without user consent

Meta Platforms received 11 complaints on June 5 regarding proposed changes to its use of personal data for training AI models without consent, potentially violating EU privacy rules. None of Your Business (NYOB) urged national privacy watchdogs in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Spain to intervene. The complaints allege that Meta’s new privacy policy, effective June 26, permits the company to utilize personal posts, private images, and online tracking data for AI technology. NYOB requested urgent reviews by data protection authorities in the 11 countries. Meta’s updated privacy policy states a legitimate interest in using user data to train generative AI models and tools, impacting millions of European users who cannot delete their data from the system. NOYB has previously lodged complaints against Meta for GDPR violations which could lead to hefty fines. Founder Max Schrems cited a 2021 European Court of Justice decision as a reference point for addressing Meta’s data use, arguing that users should provide explicit consent, not opt-out options. Google faced a similar lawsuit in July 2023 for allegedly misusing data in AI training.