Meta Platforms will begin training its AI models on public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK in the coming months. The company said it had paused training in the region following a regulatory backlash.
The company will use public posts with photos, captions and comments to train its generative artificial intelligence models, it said on Friday, adding that the training content will not include private messages or information from accounts of users under 18.
The update follows Meta’s decision in mid-June to pause the rollout of its AI models in Europe after the Irish data protection authority asked the company to delay its plan to use data from social media posts.
The company had stated at the time that the delay would also enable it to process requests from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
“Since we paused training of our generative AI models in the UK to respond to regulator feedback, we have engaged positively with the ICO… this clarity and certainty will help us bring Meta’s AI products to market in the UK much sooner,” Meta said on Friday.
Facebook and Instagram users in the UK will begin receiving in-app notifications next week explaining the company’s practices and how users can opt out of having their data used for training, Meta said.
In June, the company’s plans were criticised by advocacy group NOYB, which called on national data protection commissioners across Europe to stop such use of social media content because the notifications did not comply with the EU’s strict data protection and transparency rules.
Why did Meta Platforms pause its AI model training in the UK?
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Meta Platforms to Resume AI Model Training in the UK, Using Public Facebook and Instagram Content
In a significant development, Meta Platforms has announced that it will restart training its artificial intelligence (AI) models on public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK in the coming months. This move comes after the company paused its AI model training in the region following a regulatory backlash.
The Purpose of AI Model Training
Meta Platforms will utilize public posts, including photos, captions, and comments, to train its generative AI models. This initiative aims to improve the company’s AI capabilities, enabling them to develop more sophisticated and accurate models. It is essential to note that the training content will not include private messages or information from accounts of users under 18, ensuring the protection of minor’s online privacy.
Background of the Regulatory Backlash
In mid-June, Meta Platforms had to pause the rollout of its AI models in Europe after the Irish data protection authority raised concerns about the use of data from social media posts. The company decided to delay its plan to gather data from social media platforms to address the regulator’s feedback. The delay also enabled Meta to process requests from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Addressing Regulator Feedback
Since pausing the training of its generative AI models in the UK, Meta has engaged positively with the ICO to address their concerns. The company has worked closely with the regulator to provide clarity on their AI model training process, ensuring that it complies with the UK’s data protection regulations. This engagement has provided the necessary certainty for Meta to resume its AI model training in the region.
Implications of AI Model Training
The resumption of AI model training in the UK by Meta Platforms is expected to have significant implications for the development of AI technology in the region. With access to a vast amount of public data, Meta’s AI models will become more accurate and sophisticated, enabling the company to improve its services and offerings. Additionally, this development could pave the way for other tech companies to invest in AI research and development in the UK, driving innovation and economic growth.
Data Protection Remains a Priority
While Meta Platforms resumes its AI model training, data protection remains a top priority. The company has reiterated its commitment to protecting users’ privacy, ensuring that sensitive information is not exploited or compromised. Meta’s decision to exclude private messages and data from accounts of users under 18 from its AI model training demonstrates its dedication to responsible AI development.
Conclusion
Meta Platforms’ decision to resume AI model training in the UK marks a significant milestone in the development of AI technology in the region. By working closely with regulators and addressing their concerns, Meta has demonstrated its commitment to responsible AI development and data protection. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to prioritize transparency, accountability, and user privacy in their AI initiatives.
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– How is Meta Platforms ensuring data privacy while resuming AI model training in the UK?
Meta Platforms to Resume AI Model Training in the UK, Using Public Facebook and Instagram Content
In a significant development, Meta Platforms has announced that it will restart training its artificial intelligence (AI) models on public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the UK in the coming months. This move comes after the company paused its AI model training in the region following a regulatory backlash.
What’s Changing?
Meta will use public posts, including photos, captions, and comments, to train its generative AI models. However, the company has reiterated that the training content will not include private messages or information from accounts of users under 18. This decision aims to address concerns raised by regulators and advocacy groups about the use of social media content for AI model training.
Background of the Pause
In mid-June, Meta decided to pause the rollout of its AI models in Europe after the Irish data protection authority asked the company to delay its plan to use data from social media posts. The company had stated that the delay would also enable it to process requests from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Engagement with Regulators
Since the pause, Meta has engaged positively with the ICO, and the company believes that this clarity and certainty will help bring Meta’s AI products to market in the UK much sooner. Facebook and Instagram users in the UK will begin receiving in-app notifications next week, explaining the company’s practices and how users can opt out of having their data used for training.
Concerns Raised by Advocacy Groups
In June, advocacy group NOYB criticized Meta’s plans, calling on national data protection commissioners across Europe to stop such use of social media content because the notifications did not comply with the EU’s strict data protection and transparency rules. NOYB argued that the use of social media content for AI model training raises significant concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of personal information.
Why Did Meta Platforms Pause its AI Model Training in the UK?
Meta Platforms paused its AI model training in the UK due to regulatory backlash and concerns about data privacy. The company wanted to address these concerns and ensure compliance with EU’s data protection regulations. By engaging with regulators and advocacy groups, Meta aimed to find a solution that balances its need for AI model training with the protection of users’ personal data.
What’s Next?
With the resumption of AI model training, Meta Platforms is expected to make significant strides in developing its AI capabilities. The company’s decision to use public content from Facebook and Instagram will provide a vast dataset for training its AI models, enabling the development of more advanced AI products.
Meta Platforms’ decision to resume AI model training in the UK is a significant development in the tech industry. By addressing regulatory concerns and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, Meta is paving the way for the development of more advanced AI products that can benefit users. As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to strike a balance between innovation and data privacy, and Meta’s decision is a step in the right direction.
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