Meta’s recent announcement of a new data collection policy aimed at training AI systems using user information has sparked privacy concerns among social media users in the UK. The updated policy, set to come into effect on June 26, allows Meta to utilise data from user posts and messages to enhance AI models, drawing both criticism and objections from individuals and privacy advocates.
Meta’s New AI Data Collection Policy Sparks Privacy Concerns
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has introduced a new data collection policy that will leverage user information to train its artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The company recently notified its social media users in the UK about the impending changes.
Set to take effect on June 26, Meta’s updated privacy policy will enable the company to use data from user posts, photos, and any messages sent to AI chatbots. This data will be utilized to improve AI models, including the ChatGPT-style large language models such as Llama 3. However, Meta assured users that private messages with friends and family would not be used for this purpose.
Notably, Meta will process information even from individuals who do not use its services, which has triggered a wave of criticism and privacy concerns. The company claims legal backing through “legitimate interests” under the GDPR, allowing data processing without explicit user consent.
Users can object to this data usage by filling out a form on Instagram’s website, providing reasons for their objection and personal information. Meta commits to reviewing these objections in accordance with data protection laws but reserves the right to use the data in certain situations.
