Meta receives data protection rebuke - and stops AI plans for Europe
18/6/2024
Translation: machine translated
The Irish data protection authority asks Meta not to collect data for its AI training. Meta gives in - and suspends its AI plans for the whole of Europe.
About a fortnight ago, Meta announced that it would soon be collecting user data from Instagram and Facebook. The company wants to use this data to feed its artificial intelligence. The Meta AI should one day offer new, generative features when creating content.
You can object to this data collection in Switzerland and in the EU. Nevertheless, the Irish Data Protection Authority (DPC) has intervened. It has called on Meta to stop or at least postpone the collection of data for its AI completely and on its own initiative.
At the weekend the company announced that it regrets this decision. It is a step backwards for innovation in Europe. Without the information gained from the profiles of European Facebook and Instagram users, Meta AI could not be offered. This results in a "second-class experience" for Europeans.
In general, the DPC's request was met with a lack of understanding at Meta. According to the company, it cannot understand the feedback from the authorities insofar as Meta fulfils all the requirements that apply in Europe. In addition, Meta had already informed the data protection authorities about the project in March.
Objection solution is insufficient
Various data protection organisations had already criticised Meta's plan beforehand. It is true that Meta grants its users the option to object in accordance with the law. However, this is not communicated clearly enough and is difficult for laypersons to find. Accordingly, data protection experts - such as the European Centre for Digital Rights (NOYB, abbreviation for "none of your business") - are sympathetic to the DPC's decision. However, NOYB is also raising a warning finger. So far, Meta has only paid lip service to the announcement. There has not yet been any official change to Meta's privacy policy.
Source: Shutterstock
In addition, NOYB is dissatisfied with Meta's solution. It seems as if Meta cannot introduce its Ai services. Instead of the cumbersome opt-out solution, it would be very easy to display a banner asking users for permission. So instead of an objection solution, a consent solution. This would be much more user-friendly and compliant with regulations. However, it failed due to Meta's unwillingness.
It is currently unclear whether, when and to what extent Meta will now offer alternative solutions.
Header image: Shutterstock
I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.