Brazil Blocks Meta from Using Instagram and Facebook Posts for AI Training
In a significant move, Brazil has blocked Meta from using Brazilians’ Instagram and Facebook posts to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. This decision comes just weeks after the company abandoned similar plans to use UK and European users’ posts for the same purpose.
On Tuesday, Brazil’s national data protection agency (ANPD) announced the immediate suspension of Meta’s latest privacy policy, which allows the tech giant to train generative AI models, such as chatbots, based on posts from its users. A Meta spokesperson expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that their approach complied with local privacy laws.
With a substantial market presence in Brazil, where there are 102 million Facebook users and over 113 million Instagram users, Meta now faces a daily fine of R$50,000 (£6,935) if it fails to comply with the ANPD’s directive within five working days.
The ANPD cited the “imminent risk of serious and irreparable damage” to users’ fundamental rights as the reason for its action. The agency emphasized the need to protect the privacy of account holders and prevent any misuse of their personal information for AI training purposes.
While Meta’s updated policy was also under scrutiny in the UK and the European Union, the company decided to press ahead with the changes in Brazil. Data privacy experts have welcomed the ANPD’s decision, pointing out discrepancies in Meta’s data protection measures for Brazilian and European users.
Pedro Martins from Data Privacy Brasil highlighted concerns about the collection and use of personal data from Brazilian children and teenagers to train Meta’s AI systems, which could potentially violate the country’s data protection laws. He also noted that the process for users to opt out of data usage by Meta is more complex in Brazil compared to Europe.
The BBC has reached out to Meta for a response to these claims and to clarify the company’s stance on using posts from Brazilian minors for AI training. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of balancing innovation with privacy protection in the rapidly evolving field of AI technology.
