The announcement that Meta will use our data to train its AI caused a lot of criticism among users. Well, good news for Europe, the project has finally been blocked by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
While the first experiments to train Meta’s AI from Facebook and Instagram posts were set to begin on June 26, the company announced their immediate suspension.
It’s no surprise that Meta is forced to move back to Europe. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) welcomed this decision, which came after several discussions between the American giant and the European regulator regarding the need to comply with European data protection laws as well as the GDPR. Although the regulator initially gave the green light to Meta, it changed its mind after strong opposition from the relevant authorities.
Therefore, European Internet users can rest easy. After 11 complaints filed in the European Union by the European Center for Digital Rights, Meta is preparing to abandon – at least temporarily – its projects.