Meta will use data of European users to train its AI models

Meta will soon begin training its AI models using public messages, posts, and comments of European users of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.

Meta says it needs this data to improve its large language models (LLMs).

“This training, which follows the successful launch of Meta AI in Europe last month, will better support millions of people and businesses in the EU by teaching AI at Meta to better understand and reflect their cultures, languages and history,” the American tech company states in a press release.

This week, European users of Meta’s platforms will receive notifications to explain the kind of data the company will be using for its training purposes. If you’re a European user and don’t like the idea of Meta collecting your information to train its chatbots, the notifications will include a link where you can object.

Meta promises to honor all objection forms it has already received, as well as newly submitted ones.

Furthermore, Meta believes it has a responsibility to build AI that’s not just available to Europeans, but is actually built for them. “That’s why it’s so important for our generative AI models to be trained on a variety of data so they can understand the incredible and diverse nuances and complexities that make up European communities,” the company’s press release reads.

The company says it won’t use private messages to train its AI models. In addition, publicly available information from accounts of underaged users won’t be used for training purposes.

In March, Meta released its AI model Meta AI in Europe. European users of Meta’s platforms can use the chatbot to ask questions and enter queries. This information will be used to train and improve the company’s models.

Last year, Meta temporarily stopped releasing AI features in Europe when privacy regulators voiced their concerns. They wanted to make absolutely sure the data collection and processing were done in compliance with European privacy and data protection laws.

“Since then, we have engaged constructively with the IDPC [Irish Data Protection Commission, ed.] and look forward to continuing to bring the full benefits of generative AI to people in Europe,” Meta says.