Meta's AI Training from Public User Data Challenged in Europe
Meta planned to train its AI system using public data from Facebook and Instagram users across Europe from 27 May 2025, with an opt-out deadline of 26 May. Privacy advocates and organizations filed complaints challenging the practice, citing insufficient clarity about data use and potential regulatory violations.
What happened
Meta announced plans to use public posts, photos and comments from Facebook and Instagram users for training its AI system Meta AI starting 27 May 2025. Users in Austria and other European countries were given until 26 May 2025 to opt out by submitting objections through dedicated forms.
Reported impact
Datenschützer Max Schrems raised concerns that Meta did not clearly specify how the collected data would be used, with applications ranging from chatbots to targeted advertising.
Index analysis
Complaints were filed by noyb and other organizations against Meta's plans. The dispute could escalate to the European Court of Justice if Meta does not change course.
Governance controls
Meta offered opt-out mechanisms through forms available to logged-in users on Facebook and Instagram, though WhatsApp users had no opt-out option since that platform uses end-to-end encryption.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.