Meta: Meta will start using public posts on Facebook and Instagram in the UK to train AI

Goal The platforms will begin training their AI models using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK over the next few months, the company said, after pausing training in the region following a regulatory backlash.

The company will use public posts that include photos, captions and comments to train its generative artificial intelligence models, it said Friday, adding that the training content will not include private messages or account information from users under 18.

The update follows Meta’s decision in mid-June to pause the rollout of its AI models in Europe after Ireland’s privacy regulator told the company to delay its plan to leverage data from social media posts.

The company then said the delay would also allow it to address requests from Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

“Since we paused training, Generative AI “In the UK, we are developing models to address regulatory feedback, and we have engaged positively with the ICO… this clarity and certainty will help us bring Meta’s AI products to the UK much sooner,” Meta said on Friday.

Facebook and Instagram users in the UK will begin receiving in-app notifications starting next week explaining the company’s procedure and how users can object to their data being used for training, Meta added.

In June, the company’s plans faced a backlash from advocacy group NOYB, which urged national privacy watchdogs across Europe to halt such use of social media content, saying the notifications were insufficient to meet strict EU privacy and transparency rules.