The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has requested Meta Platforms to postpone the training of their large language models (LLMs) using public content shared by adult users on Facebook and Instagram. This decision comes after complaints from advocacy group NOYB, who urged data protection authorities in several European countries to take action against the company.
Meta announced on Friday that they have decided not to launch their Meta AI models in Europe at this time, following the request from the DPC to delay their plan to access data from Facebook and Instagram users. The company expressed disappointment in this decision, stating that it is a setback for innovation and competition in AI development in Europe.
Without access to local information, Meta believes they would not be able to provide users with a quality experience, leading to the delay in launching Meta AI in Europe. The DPC welcomed Meta’s decision to pause their AI models launch, highlighting that this came after extensive discussions with the regulator.
Additionally, Meta acknowledged that this delay will also allow them to address requests from Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO supported Meta’s decision and emphasized the importance of monitoring major developers of generative AI to ensure the protection of user information rights.
NOYB’s chair, Max Schrems, credited the temporary halt of Meta’s AI models to the group’s complaints filed recently. Despite this decision, Schrems noted that there has been no official change in Meta’s privacy policy yet, indicating that their cases against the company are ongoing and will require further action to reach a resolution.
