Meta to Leverage UK Facebook and Instagram Posts for AI Training

Meta confirmed that for UK users of Facebook and Instagram it will use publicly shared posts to train its AI models.

We will begin training for AI at Meta using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK over the coming months. This means that our generative AI models will reflect British culture, history, and idiom, and that UK companies and institutions will be able to utilize the latest technology. We’re building AI at Meta to reflect the diverse communities around the world and we look forward to launching it in more countries and languages later this year.

Meta has announced that it will resume using publicly shared posts from UK users on Facebook and Instagram to train its AI models. This decision comes despite previous delays and ongoing concerns from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Earlier this summer, Meta had paused its plans to use EU and UK user data for training its Meta AI software. However, the company is now moving forward, asserting that this approach will benefit users by enhancing the AI's reflection of British culture, history, and idiom.

According to Meta, the data used will include public posts, comments, photos, and captions from 18+ users on both platforms. Users will soon receive in-app notifications allowing them to opt out, a step Meta claims addresses ICO’s concerns.

However, the ICO remains cautious. Stephen Almond, executive director of regulatory risk at the ICO, stated, "In June, Meta paused its plans to use Facebook and Instagram user data for AI training in response to our request. Although Meta has since adjusted its approach to simplify user objections and extend the objection period, the ICO has not yet granted regulatory approval for this processing. We will monitor Meta’s actions closely as they begin notifying UK users and starting data processing."

Meta has been using data from other regions, including the US, but has not yet confirmed whether it will extend this practice to the EU. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), responsible for overseeing Meta’s operations in the EU, has already raised objections, with several national data protection authorities across the region also expressing concerns. Additionally, the privacy rights group NOYB has filed multiple complaints in the EU, alleging violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

On a positive note, the move has received support from the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA). Matthew Sinclair, senior director and head of CCIA’s London office, remarked, "It is encouraging to see more cutting-edge AI development taking place in the UK. This demonstrates that effective collaboration between industry and regulators can create a framework where privacy protections and technological innovation work hand in hand. Today’s announcement is a positive sign for the UK's role in the global digital economy."

Key Takeaways:

• Meta will begin training for its AI on public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK over the coming months.
• This means that Meta will bring AI products to the UK much sooner, and that their generative AI models will reflect British culture, history and idiom.
• It will incorporated regulatory feedback to ensure more transparency.