Meta faces multiple regulatory scrutiny over AI practices
Meta faces regulatory scrutiny over AI energy consumption, facial recognition technology in smart glasses, and alleged violations of EU privacy law related to using European user data for AI training. Concerns have been raised by privacy advocates, environmental groups, and regulators including the FTC.
What happened
Privacy organization noyb issued a cease-and-desist warning to Meta on Wednesday alleging Meta violated GDPR by using European user data for AI training.
Meta is reportedly developing AI-powered facial recognition features for smart glasses, with concerns raised about the default settings for video recording and facial recognition capabilities.
Reported impact
Noyb alleged Meta could face €200 billion in compensation for GDPR violations related to AI training using European user data.
Environmental groups are investigating Meta's plans to use natural gas to power a large-scale AI data center.
Index analysis
The FTC's privacy enforcement efforts have been noted as relevant to Meta's data practices and use of tracking mechanisms.
Concerns have been raised about whether Meta's smart glasses facial recognition capabilities comply with previous regulatory commitments.
Governance controls
Meta is reportedly reconsidering whether its facial recognition approach complies with regulatory guidance.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.