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Meta attacks! User data will now be used for AI development.
Meta will use data from Facebook and Instagram users for AI training starting May 27th. The objection period ended on May 26th. Data protection advocates criticize the approach.
Meta attacks! User data will now be used for AI development.
The Meta Group plans to use the public data of its users in Europe to train its artificial intelligence “Meta AI”. This measure comes into force on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 and affects publicly viewable content such as posts, comments, photos, videos and stories on Facebook and Instagram. Users had the opportunity to object until May 26, 2025 if they did not want their data to be used. The deadline has now expired, meaning Meta's access to this data has now begun.
“Meta AI” is already integrated into the chats on Facebook Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. However, personal chats on WhatsApp are excluded from AI training. According to the company, no data from EU WhatsApp users is currently being used for training purposes.
Appeal process and legal concerns
To object to data usage, users had to find and fill out a hidden form on Facebook or Instagram. However, data protection experts criticize this process as complicated and not very transparent. The North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center assessed the use of data as a violation of European data protection law and applied for an interim injunction at the Cologne Higher Regional Court, which was rejected.
Meta defends the use of data by citing a “legitimate interest” and argues that this is necessary to promote AI’s understanding of German culture, language and history. Experts emphasize that AI models need to be improved by accessing real-world content, underscoring the need to leverage data.
The users are responsible
Once the objection period has expired, the data can no longer be retrieved or deleted. Users must therefore take action themselves to protect their data. However, it remains unclear to what extent the affected users are informed about their options.
Overall, it appears that Meta's handling of its users' data is a controversial issue, while data protection and consumer advocates are calling for clear adherence to constitutional principles. How the situation develops remains to be seen.
For more information on the details of these changes, please visit Radio one and daily news.