Meta's AI training on Messenger sparks GDPR concerns in Norway
Meta began using AI to train on Messenger message content, which can be shared with third parties. Norwegian privacy authorities Datatilsynet and Forbrukerrådet contended that users must actively opt out of each conversation and that the practice may violate GDPR's consent requirements.
What happened
Meta began using artificial intelligence to train on content in Messenger messages. The content can also be shared with third parties.
Users of Messenger must actively disable the features for each conversation to prevent sharing. Meta itself advises against sharing passwords, financial information or other sensitive information in messages.
Reported impact
Datatilsynet and Forbrukerrådet responded to the practice. Datatilsynet stated that Messenger users should consider switching to other apps with better privacy-friendly business models, such as Signal, which uses strong encryption and does not conduct AI training.
Index analysis
Datatilsynet and Forbrukerrådet contend that sharing occurs without valid consent and violates the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Datatilsynet head of international section Tobias Judin stated that many people use messaging apps to have conversations with friends and family in peace, and questioned whether Meta's apps offer the privacy people expect.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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