Meta begins AI training with user data from Germany, despite opposition
Artificial Intelligence Development Initiated Using User Information by Meta
Meta Platforms, the parent company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has been given the green light by the Higher Regional Court of Cologne to utilize user data from these platforms to train its artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The decision allows Meta to proceed with its plans.
Initially, the US-based tech giant intended to gather all past posts made by users on Facebook and Instagram to improve its AI models. However, users had the option to opt-out of this data collection prior to a specified deadline. That deadline has now passed.
WhatsApp, another platform owned by Meta, will not directly be involved in the AI training process due to encrypted chat contents. On the other hand, Meta AI assistant chats deemed public might still be used for AI training purposes.
German consumer advocates had attempted to prevent Meta from using user data for AI training through a lawsuit. The advocates argued that the practice could violate European data protection law. After Friday's interim court decision, Meta stressed that their AI training procedure does not infringe upon any data protection regulations.
The Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia had filed the lawsuit, and they had sought an interim injunction based on the potential breach of European data protection law.
Meta asserts that its AI training aims to bring AI innovations to the German population and ensure that everyone in Europe has equal access to the benefits of advanced AI technology.
The new development underscores the ongoing tension between technological advancements and data privacy within the European Union (EU). Despite the regulatory challenges, Meta plans to proceed with its AI training using the opt-out options provided by Facebook and Instagram. WhatsApp users may face difficulties in controlling their data due to the lack of specific AI opt-out features on the platform.
Sources: ntv.de, gho/dpa
- Artificial Intelligence
- Judiciary, Data Protection Laws, Europe
[1] European users are allowed to opt-out of data usage for AI training through privacy settings under GDPR. The deadline for this opt-out was May 27, 2025.
[2] Meta AI assistant chats could be utilized for training purposes on WhatsApp, despite the lack of specific AI opt-out features on the platform.
[3] European regulators expressed concerns regarding the lack of time given to users to opt-out of their data being used for AI training, delaying Meta's plans. Despite these concerns, no bans have been imposed, and Meta continues to proceed with its plans.
- Despite concerns raised by European regulators, Meta continues to proceed with its AI training using the opt-out options provided by Facebook and Instagram, following the May 27, 2025 deadline for user opt-outs under GDPR.
- WhatsApp users might face difficulties in controlling their data due to the lack of specific AI opt-out features on the platform, yet Meta AI assistant chats deemed public could still be used for AI training purposes.
