Meta postpones launch of artificial intelligence software in Europe

San Jose (United States): Social media giant Meta has delayed the launch of its latest artificial intelligence (AI) software in Europe following concerns from data protection agencies, the German News Agency (dpa) reported.

The Irish data protection authority responsible for Meta in the EU demanded that the company not train AI models using publicly available posts on Facebook and Instagram for now.

“Without training using local content, Meta cannot offer the best experience to users in Europe,” the company said in a blog post on Friday.

At the same time, Meta said it is confident that its approach complies with European laws and regulations.

Meta is not alone in training artificial intelligence—”and”we are more transparent than many of our industry peers,” the company said.

The move follows criticism that Meta only provides options for people to opt out of the use of their data but does not provide clear user consent.

Data protection activists from the organization Noyb filed complaints in 11 countries last week, criticizing what they called “hidden and misleading” ‘opt-out’ procedures.

Meta originally claimed that there was a “legitimate interest” in training AI models and that only publicly available content from adult users should be used for that purpose.

On Friday, Irish data protection authorities welcomed Meta’s decision to suspend its plans in Europe.

With its AI software, Meta AI, the company competes with other programs such as ChatGPT.

Meta AI is designed to create text and images and answer user questions. The Facebook group has repeatedly emphasized in recent months that artificial intelligence will significantly change the platform.

At the same time, Meta said it intends to continue to bring AI functionality to Europe.