Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is set to begin using public posts from European users to train its artificial intelligence (AI) systems starting June 26. This decision has sparked discussions about privacy and GDPR compliance.
Utilising Public Data for AI
European users of Facebook and Instagram have recently been notified that their public posts could be used to help develop Meta’s AI technologies. The information that might be utilised includes posts, photos, captions, and messages sent to an AI, but private messages are excluded. Meta has emphasised that only public data from user profiles will be used, and data from users under 18 will not be included.
GDPR Compliance and Legitimate Interest
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), companies can process personal data if they demonstrate a legitimate interest. Meta argues that improving AI systems constitutes such an interest. Despite this, users have the right to opt out of having their data used for this purpose by submitting a form through Facebook or Instagram, although these forms are currently unavailable.
Even if users opt out, their data may still be used if they are featured in another user’s public posts or images. Meta has provided a four-week notice period before collecting data to comply with privacy regulations.
Regulatory Concerns and Delays
The Irish Data Protection Commissio
[…]
Content was cut in order to protect the source.Please visit the source for the rest of the article.