Facebook will use personal information to train its AI model

Privacy data concerns have arisen since Meta announced that it will use personal information on Facebook and Instagram to train its AI model. It will utilize user’s posts, photographs, and other private information to incorporate it into its AI tools and services on Facebook and Instagram.

Users of these social media platforms are automatically included in this procedure unless they want to opt out. However, they may be posted out, which necessitates following several processes. Hence, it worries experts and campaigners for data protection.

Recently, Meta sent notifications to many users on various social media platforms about this development. They informed them that the company will be expanding its “AI at Meta experiences” (which includes AI creative tools and Meta AI) as of June 26, 2024.

According to this notification, Meta will now rely on legal justifications known as legitimate interests. They will utilize your information to develop and enhance AI at Meta to help deliver these experiences to you.

However, it also stated that users can object to how Meta will use their information for these purposes. It further specifies that their objection will be going forward if they approve.

If a user objects, they will click the notification’s link and complete a form describing their objections to their data usage in this aspect. Hence, they must verify their email address to provide a confirmation code before filing their disapproval.

Simon McGarr is a lawyer and director at Data Compliance Europe. He stated:

Meta is showing up a consent form. However, this form does not state, “Yes, I approve.” So, if you disagree with allowing your data usage for AI, fill out this form. That means it is an opt-out form.
Unless you fill it out, you have agreed to their use of your data for their legitimate interest. He doesn’t consider it right because users’ data on Facebook and Meta is a mixed combination of sensitive personal and common data. Meta cannot justify the processing of sensitive personal data by a legitimate interest.
Simon McGarr, Data Compliance Europe Director

Click here to read the updates on Meta taking down China-based networks of thousands of accounts

Simon referred to Article 9 of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) law. He also said the Data Protection Commissioner should intervene to resolve this matter, as Facebook and Instagram will use personal information in the coming days.

Simon also said one must have a legitimate legal basis to process data that includes personal sensitive information. He considers posts that address topics like sexual orientation or health issues to come under sensitive personal data.

According to Simon, GDPR should prevent Meta from acquiring sensitive personal data under the guise of legitimate interest.