Meta has announced that, beginning May 27, it will use public data from European users on Facebook and Instagram to help train its generative AI models. The data will include posts, comments, and captions—excluding private messages, particularly on WhatsApp, which remains unaffected.
Meta’s AI Push Sparks Privacy Debate in Europe
The company also revealed it will analyze interactions with its Meta AI chatbot to improve the system’s performance and accuracy. However, the move has triggered privacy concerns among users and regulators alike.
While it promises that the data of users under 18 will be excluded from this training, European users who wish to avoid being included must submit an opt-out request via a form. Meta plans to notify users about this option ahead of the policy change.
The initiative aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to compete in the AI space against major players like OpenAI. The tech giant recently unveiled its Llama-4 AI model and expects to spend $60–$65 billion this year—mostly on building data centers—to accelerate its AI capabilities.
Despite i’s assurances, critics have questioned the transparency of the opt-out process, citing difficulties in understanding or accessing the form. With privacy continuing to be a sensitive issue in Europe, its policy could invite further regulatory scrutiny as the company ramps up its AI ambitions.
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