this post was submitted on 24 May 2025
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Archived URL (Wayback Machine) - Original URL (in case of Wayback Machine downtime)

A small portion of the article:

At the end of May, Meta will start using Europeans’ data to train its AI. Here is how you can exercise your rights and prevent it.

Instagram and Facebook users in Europe will soon have their data and posts used by parent company Meta to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Europeans have until May 27 to restrict Meta from using their data, the date when the company will start using Europe’s data.

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[–] Zwuzelmaus@feddit.org 24 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (2 children)

... or by applying the GDPR, that forbids "opt out" schemes exactly because of this kind of situations.

[–] deinu@sh.itjust.works 5 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Theoretically it should but in regard to this usage in AI, it seems to be an ongoing development to adapt GDPR for such cases too I guess? From the article mentioned in the post:

Users in Europe can object to their data being scraped and like other countries, opt of Meta using your data. But Meta does not guarantee it will allow this and says it will “review objection requests in accordance with relevant data protection laws”.

Also, a snippet of a report from Data Protection Commission (DPC) regarding this use of AI and specifically about Meta:

Whilst acknowledging that aspects of the application of GDPR to this fast changing technology remains complex, through our regulatory engagement the DPC has ensured that companies understand what is required in order to reduce high risks and harms to individuals. This has resulted in a number of companies implementing improvements and additional data protection safeguards prior to launch in the EU.

In March 2024, Meta informed the DPC of its plans to train its Large Language Model using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram across the EU/EEA. Having engaged with Meta, and having reviewed initial correspondence, the DPC identified a number of issues with the proposed roll-out of Meta’s plans.

The DPC communicated its concerns to Meta, following which Meta informed the DPC in June 2024 of its plans to pause the training of its model. The DPC also engaged with its European Data Protection Board (EDPB) peer supervisory authorities by seeking a formal GDPR Opinion in September 2024. The DPC’s objective in seeking an Opinion was to achieve Europe-wide regulatory harmonisation and clarity on a number of key AI model training and deployment related questions. The Opinion, which was issued in December 2024, provided general criteria that Data Protection supervisory authorities should take into account when assessing compliance of the processing of personal data for the development and the deployment of AI models.

Source: Archived URL (Wayback Machine) - Original URL

[–] General_Effort@lemmy.world 4 points 5 days ago

Theoretically it should but in regard to this usage in AI, it seems to be an ongoing development to adapt GDPR for such cases too I guess?

No. Unfortunately, lemmy is full of falsehoods about the GDPR. The truth is that the GDPR says that there needs to be a legal basis for processing so-called personal data. Consent (=opt-in) is one of 6 possible justifications. Legitimate interest (=opt-out) is another.

[–] NotAGamer@lemmy.org 16 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Just delete it ALL. Stop using that shit.

[–] Gerprimus@feddit.org 1 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Well, you have to be a little more precise and explain why not. Unfortunately, simply shouting and not doing this or that is not enough to make an argument.I'm on your side, but there should still be a factual discussion. Otherwise, only harder fronts will emerge.

[–] NotAGamer@lemmy.org -2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Stop using Meta shit. No Facebook, Instagram, Threads or WhatsApp.

[–] Gerprimus@feddit.org 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Yes, of course, but why? There is no reason why i shouldn't use it. Here are a few examples:

  • Data usage for AI: Meta extensively uses user data for its AI training, which raises significant data privacy concerns.
  • Mental health: Using Meta products can negatively impact mental health, especially for young people.
  • Monopoly position: Meta is accused of abusing its market power as a monopolist and hindering competition.
  • Misinformation: Meta's platforms often contribute to the insufficiently controlled spread of misinformation.
  • Ethical concerns: Meta's business model, based on massive data collection, is ethically questionable and has problematic societal impacts.
[–] NotAGamer@lemmy.org -4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

You say "why shouldn't I use it" then give examples of why. Either you agree with not using it and your wording is just bad OR you're an idiot.

[–] Gerprimus@feddit.org 2 points 4 days ago

Yeah, English isn't my native language. Have a good life.