Meta, Europe User Data AI Learning In Full-scale Utilization

Meta has decided to actively utilize European user data for its artificial intelligence (AI) learning, aiming to enhance region-specific AI performance. This marks a shift towards a more proactive approach from its previously cautious stance due to the European Union (EU)'s data protection regulations.

On the 14th, Meta announced in an official statement that it plans to reflect public posts, comments made by European users on Facebook and Instagram, and some of the conversation contents with its AI chatbot 'Meta AI' in AI model training. The company stated, “This is to effectively support millions of users and businesses in Europe,” explaining that “the goal is to help generative AI models more accurately understand and reflect Europe's language, culture, and historical context.”

This decision is a follow-up measure after Meta officially launched Meta AI service in the EU region last month and is a strategic attempt to enhance the local adaptability of AI models. Meta also announced that it will inform users of its platform about data usage policies and provide procedures for opting out.

In particular, accounts and personal messages exchanged with friends and family of users under the age of 18, as well as content on Messenger and WhatsApp, will be excluded from AI learning this time. Meta emphasized, “All learning is based on publicly available content, and users are given ample opt-out options.”

Until now, Meta had been limiting AI training in utilizing European data due to GDPR regulations. However, at the end of last year, after the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) determined that Meta's data processing methods meet legal requirements, it was able to resume services following consultation with the Irish Data Protection Commission (IDPC).

The company added that this decision is no different from the methods already adopted by competitors like Google or OpenAI, explaining that it is a measure to maintain global AI competitiveness in the European market. AFP evaluated this as “Meta is changing its stance despite the stringent regulatory environment, so as not to fall behind in the generative AI competition.”

Currently, Meta AI has a monthly active user count of 700 million, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said, “To gain a competitive edge in the AI race, at least 1 billion are needed.” The expansion of data learning within Europe is seen as a turning point that brings it a step closer to that goal.