Meta begins AI training on European user data

Meta has started using public content from adult users in Europe to develop AI models. The Dutch Data Protection Authority previously warned users to file objections against this data collection in time.

The tech giant collects public posts, images, and comments from Facebook and Instagram accounts for machine learning purposes. Users who did not want to grant permission had to submit an opt-out request via dedicated web forms for both platforms before the start date. Those who missed the deadline can still fill out the forms, but the AP warns there is no guarantee data from late submissions won't be used. Private messages are excluded from the training process, as are WhatsApp messages sent to Meta's AI chatbot.