Eyeing Meta: European Activists Threaten Legal Action Over AI Training with User Data
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EU Privacy Activists Intend to File an Association Case Against Meta Over Their Use of User Data in KI-Training - Meta faces potential EU lawsuit over alleged unauthorized use of user data in AI training
In a controversial move, global tech giant Meta has declared its intentions to harness user data from platforms Facebook and Instagram for AI model training, without explicitly seeking consent. The company defends its actions under the banner of its "legitimate interest" in processing the data, leaving users with the right to object, meaning they can voice their displeasure on their own accord.
According to Austrian privacy activist organization Noyb, headed by Max Schrems, Meta is innocently violating EU legislation with this approach. "The European Court of Justice has already established that Meta cannot assert a 'legitimate interest' for personalized advertising," Schrems explains. "So how can Meta claim a legitimate interest in accumulating all data for AI training?" In essence, Meta is arguing that "its profit interests supersede the rights of users."
The activists also suspect that Meta will buckle under other GDPR regulations like the right to be forgotten or the right to rectify inaccurate data when utilizing user data for AI training. "Moreover, Meta publishes AI models like Llama as open-source software, enabling anyone to download and utilize them," they clarify. "This means Meta can scarcely recall or rectify a model after it has been released."
Schrems brings attention to the fact that Meta paradoxically doesn't necessarily need all user data to create functional AI models. Companies such as OpenAI and MistralAI, which don't have access to extensive data, have developed AI programs that outperform Meta's offerings. However, a lawsuit would present considerable risks for Meta, potentially forcing it to halt its AI system in Europe and erase user data that was improperly used.
"We are currently assessing our options for filing injunction lawsuits," elaborates Schrems. Meta may then be forced to terminate its AI project. Additionally, the prospect of damages compensation for millions of users is on the table. "We are taken aback that Meta is willing to take such a risk just to avoid soliciting user consent," Schrems concludes.
- EU
- User Data
- AI
- GDPR
Drawn from extensive research, it appears that Meta is aggressively facing a barrage of legal challenges in the European Union over its plans to use Facebook and Instagram user data for AI model training without proper consent, according to privacy advocates and regulatory bodies. Noyb, led by Max Schrems, accuses Meta of breaching the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by defaulting to an opt-in for AI training and demanding users to opt out, sometimes requiring multiple such actions[2][3].
NOYB has issued Meta a cease and desist letter, demanding justification for its data processing practices or a halt to the AI training by May 21, whilst warning of potential legal action, injunctions, and class-action lawsuits[1][2][3]. Such legal action could result in the shutdown of the AI training process in Europe and the deletion of user data that was inappropriately used. A multibillion-euro class-action lawsuit looms, considering that over 400 million EU users may be impacted[1][2][3].
Meta maintains its stance, asserting that it offers adequate opt-out options and that NOYB's legal interpretation is flawed on both facts and the law[1]. However, European data protection authorities, including the Verbraucherzentrale North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, have similar reservations regarding Meta’s claims regarding a legitimate interest to collect data for AI training, hinting that Meta cannot rely solely on "legitimate interest" as a legal basis under GDPR for this kind of data processing[2].
In conclusion, Meta risks legal action, injunctions, hefty penalties, and class-action suits if it fails to address these concerns in accordance with GDPR requirements[1][2][3].
- The legal action threatened by data protection activists, led by Max Schrems and his organization Noyb, could potentially force Meta to withdraw its AI project that utilizes user data from Facebook and Instagram, given the violation of EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) they allege.
- The ongoing controversy over Meta's use of user data for AI training purposes in Europe, with concerns about compliance with GDPR, may lead to significant financial implications for Meta, including class-action lawsuits amounting to billions of euros, involving over 400 million EU users.
