Meta to Use Public Facebook and Instagram Posts in UK to Train AI

Meta Platforms (META.O) will soon begin using public content from Facebook and Instagram users in the UK to train its generative AI models. This decision comes after Meta paused its AI training efforts in the region earlier this year due to regulatory concerns. The company plans to use public posts, including photos, captions, and comments shared by adults, but will not include private messages or data from users under 18.

Meta initially halted its AI training in June after the Irish privacy regulator and the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) raised concerns. Since then, Meta has worked with regulators to address these issues, leading to updates in its approach. The company announced on Friday that the improved clarity from these discussions will allow it to bring AI products to the UK sooner than expected.

Starting next week, Facebook and Instagram users in the UK will receive in-app notifications explaining Meta’s data usage and providing the option to object. The ICO confirmed that Meta has simplified the process for users to opt out and extended the window for objections.

Meta’s plans previously faced criticism from privacy advocates, including the group NOYB, which argued that the company’s notifications did not comply with Europe’s strict privacy regulations. With the changes in place, Meta is set to move forward with its AI initiatives, aiming to balance innovation with user privacy.