Meta Expands AI Training in Europe Using Public User Content
(RTTNews) – Meta has announced it will start training its artificial intelligence models with publicly shared content from adult users in the European Union. This initiative is part of the company’s strategy to customize AI experiences for European audiences.
To enhance its models that support platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, Meta will analyze public posts, comments, and interactions users have with Meta AI, including their queries.
This development follows the launch of Meta AI in Europe last month and represents a revival of training efforts that were halted last year due to regulatory issues. Meta outlines that this initiative will enable its AI to better grasp Europe’s linguistic diversity, cultural nuances, and varying digital behaviors, which include regional dialects and unique styles of humor and sarcasm.
Beginning this week, users throughout the EU will receive notifications through Meta’s apps and email regarding the data collection. Notifications will provide access to a clear and user-friendly opt-out form. The company has confirmed that it will honor all opt-out requests, including those that have been previously submitted.
Notably, Meta has stated that it will not use private messages or data from users under 18 years of age. Furthermore, the company pointed out that its practices are in line with industry standards, as competitors such as Google and OpenAI also rely on similar data for AI development.
This initiative follows the European Data Protection Board’s endorsement of Meta’s adherence to legal requirements, clearing the way for the company’s AI projects. Although privacy advocates had expressed concerns, Meta asserts that its process is transparent and prioritizes user rights.
With this approach, Meta seeks to provide more relevant and localized AI tools while staying compliant with Europe’s stringent data protection regulations.
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