Meta has announced a delay in the launch and training of its AI assistant in Europe due to a request from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC). The regulator asked Meta to postpone large language model (LLM) training involving public content adults share on Facebook and Instagram. Acting as Meta’s lead privacy regulator in the EU, the Irish DPC issued the request on behalf of the European Data Protection Authorities (DPAs).
In a statement released on June 10, Meta expressed disappointment over the delay, stating that it means they are unable to launch Meta AI in Europe at the moment. The company also called the request a “step backward” for AI competition and innovation in the EU, although they remain confident in their compliance with European regulations.
The Irish DPC supported the decision to pause the training, stating that they welcome the move and will continue to work with Meta after previous “intensive engagement.” European privacy non-profit NOYB revealed that complaints from various organizations and DPAs led to the Irish DPC’s request to halt Meta’s activities.
The situation has been developing over months, with Meta informing European DPAs of their activities since March. However, the issue escalated after Meta began notifying users of its AI training activities through in-app notifications and emails on May 22. NOYB sent complaints to 11 DPAs on June 6, leading to further consultations with the Irish DPC on June 10 to ensure compliance with AI laws.
Meta pointed out that other tech giants like Google and OpenAI already use AI for user data training and expects to adhere to EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws under the legal basis of “Legitimate Interest.” This provision allows flexibility for companies in the AI industry to utilize AI for training while complying with regulations.
