Meta’s decision to utilise user data from Facebook and Instagram for training its AI systems, despite assurances about privacy, has raised concerns. The technology firm plans to enhance AI models using shared content, with the new policy taking effect on June 26, prompting users to voice objections and highlighting the need for regulatory oversight.
Meta is set to utilize user data from Facebook and Instagram to train its artificial intelligence (AI) systems, sparking privacy concerns. The technology firm sent notifications to users in the UK, explaining that their shared content—including posts, photos, and captions—would be used to enhance AI models, such as Llama 3. However, Meta assured that private messages between friends and family would not be utilized.
Interestingly, even individuals who do not use Meta’s platforms may have their information processed if it appears in materials shared by others. The new privacy policy will come into effect on June 26. Meta relies on “legitimate interests,” a legal basis under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), allowing the processing of data without explicit user consent for business needs deemed necessary.
Users have the right to object to their data being used, by filling out a form on Instagram’s website. Meta will review objections but maintains that it may still use some data in specific contexts. If users’ objections are not honored, they can escalate the issue to regulatory bodies like the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will also address AI’s implications in financial services at a conference, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks. According to a preview of her speech, AI offers improvements in areas like fraud detection and customer service but also poses challenges, including the opaque nature of many AI models and the risk of biased decision-making.
The event will host regulators, tech executives, and financial experts and aims to better understand and mitigate the growing influence of AI on financial stability.
