Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced plans to commence training its artificial intelligence (AI) models using publicly available data from adult users in the European Union (EU) starting May 27, 2025. This initiative has ignited significant privacy concerns and potential legal challenges from advocacy groups and regulatory bodies.
Meta’s AI Training Initiative
In June 2024, Meta unveiled its intention to enhance its AI capabilities by utilizing public content shared by adult users on its platforms. The company argued that incorporating data reflecting the diverse languages, geographies, and cultural references of European users is essential for developing AI models that accurately serve the region. Meta emphasized that it would not use private messages or data from users under 18 for this purpose. ([about.fb.com](https://about.fb.com/news/2024/06/building-ai-technology-for-europeans-in-a-transparent-and-responsible-way/?utm_source=openai))
Privacy Advocacy and Legal Challenges
The Austrian privacy advocacy group NOYB (None of Your Business), led by activist Max Schrems, has been at the forefront of opposing Meta’s plans. NOYB contends that Meta’s reliance on legitimate interest under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to process user data without explicit consent is unlawful. The group argues that GDPR mandates an opt-in model for such data processing activities. In May 2025, NOYB issued a cease-and-desist letter to Meta, threatening legal action if the company proceeds without obtaining explicit user consent. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/advocacy-group-threatens-meta-with-injunction-over-use-eu-data-ai-training-2025-05-14/?utm_source=openai))
Regulatory Responses and Meta’s Position
In response to the backlash, Meta has stated that it provides EU users with a clear option to object to their data being used for AI training. The company maintains that its approach aligns with GDPR requirements and that it has incorporated feedback from regulators into its processes. However, critics argue that the opt-out mechanism is overly complicated and places an undue burden on users. ([snopes.com](https://www.snopes.com/news/2024/06/13/meta-ai-training-user-data/?utm_source=openai))
Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns
This is not the first time Meta’s data processing practices have come under scrutiny. In June 2024, the company paused its AI training plans in Europe following concerns raised by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC). The DPC’s intervention led Meta to delay its efforts to train large language models using public content shared by adult users in the EU. ([thehackernews.com](https://thehackernews.com/2024/06/meta-halts-ai-training-on-eu-user-data.html?utm_source=openai))
Furthermore, in January 2025, the European General Court fined the European Commission for transferring user data to Meta in violation of privacy laws, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing technological advancement with data protection. ([thehackernews.com](https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/eu-commission-fined-for-transferring.html?utm_source=openai))
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
Meta’s situation underscores the broader tension between technological innovation and privacy rights. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into digital platforms, the methods by which companies collect and utilize user data are subject to heightened scrutiny. The outcome of this dispute may set a precedent for how tech companies approach AI training and data privacy in the future.
As of now, Meta has until May 21, 2025, to respond to NOYB’s cease-and-desist letter. The company’s next steps will likely influence its relationship with European regulators and users, as well as the broader discourse on data privacy and AI development.
