Ireland · AI · 14 Jun 2024

Meta pauses AI training on Europeans' posts after Irish regulator steps in

No fine; Meta paused AI training on EU users' posts after regulator intervention

Company: Meta
Regulator or court: Irish Data Protection Commission
Law: GDPR (lawful basis and transparency for AI training)
Status: Resolved (training resumed May 2025 with added safeguards)

What happened

Meta planned to train its AI models on public posts by adult Facebook and Instagram users in the EU, relying on an opt-out. After concerns from the DPC and other European regulators, Meta paused the plan in June 2024. It went ahead from 27 May 2025 only after an EDPB opinion and DPC recommendations, including clearer notices, an easier objection form and a longer notice period.

Sources

Irish DPC statement on Meta AI TechCrunch, 14 June 2024

Summary in our own words. General information, not legal advice.

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