UK privacy group attacks Meta for collecting user data for AI training

The Open Rights Group is seeking to prevent Meta from using user data to train its AI models by scraping it.

A UK data privacy group has contacted regulators in an effort to prevent Meta from collecting user data in order to train its AI models. On June 26, Meta modified its privacy policy, which permits the company to utilize user-generated content as a source for the development of artificial intelligence systems, according to the Open Rights Group (ORG).

ORG is a membership-based organization that promotes data protection and privacy. The organization stated that Meta would “utilize personal information for the purpose of AI development in accordance with the legal framework known as legitimate interests.” In the United Kingdom, the privacy policy change could potentially impact up to 50 million Facebook and Instagram users, according to the added information.

ORG submitted a letter to the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, requesting an inquiry into the “undefined” nature of AI uses, the user’s incapacity to opt in and out, and data processing without authorization at Meta. The formal complaint accuses Meta of “superseding legitimate expectations and user rights.”

Meta sent an email to users of Facebook and Instagram in the United Kingdom at the end of May, informing them that it intended to utilize individual data to construct its generative artificial intelligence models, according to the Open Rights Group. Mariano delli Santi, a legal and policy administrator at ORG and the complainant, stated:

“Meta did not guarantee that it would comply with users’ objections, despite informing them that they had the right to do so. Consent cannot be subsequently implemented once the company has utilized a user’s data, as it is likely to be irreversible.”

He further stated, “It is unacceptable that the organization is making a half-hearted effort to allow individuals to opt out, rather than obtaining their consent for such intrusive data processing.”

Delli Santi posited that Meta’s proposals are in violation of the UK’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on “multiple levels.” His objective is for the regulator to conduct a comprehensive investigation and permanently halt Meta.

A data privacy pressure group based in Europe, None of Your Business, filed a complaint in the European Union that is comparable to the one from the Open Rights Group. This action necessitated that Meta suspend its plans to train its AI programs with postings from individuals in the EU on Facebook and Instagram. This decision also resulted in a delay in the introduction of Meta AI in Europe.

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