Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced that it will inform Brazilian users about the processing of their personal information in the country to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models, according to a report by Reuters.
The development arrives after Brazil’s data protection regulator — the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) — demanded Meta disclose how the company would use Facebook and Instagram posts of Brazilian users to train its generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
Last week, the Brazilian regulator suspended with “immediate effect” Meta’s new policy on the deployment of personal information to train its AI models. Earlier in July, Meta had rolled back its generative AI stickers for WhatsApp in the market, citing concerns from the ANPD over the company’s AI tools. Subsequently, Meta engaged in talks with the regulator to address the apprehensions.
The ANPD published on Tuesday its containment measures in the country’s official gazette targeting the processing of personal data of Meta consumers. Meta’s sweeping use of personal information has since been halted by the authorities across all its social media platforms. The measure covers individuals who are not active users of Meta’s social networking spaces, too.
Meta will be obliged to inform its users in Brazil through warnings by email and notifications on Facebook and Instagram about the use of their personal data. They will have the option to reject or accept the processing of their data by Meta to train its generative AI, according to the company.
The ANPD is a wing of Brazil’s Justice Ministry. In case of violations, the watchdog has designated a fine of up to $8,000 for Meta. The ANPD is investigating the “imminent risk of serious and irreparable or difficult-to-repair damage to the fundamental rights of affected holders”.
In response to the regulator’s demands, Meta will be required to eliminate the section in its AI policy related to the processing of personal data for AI training and submit a statement declaring the company has suspended the processing of personal data to train its AI models, according to Brazilian authorities.
Meta, on the other hand, has expressed disappointment over the data protection watchdog’s measures. The company claims they will lead to a “setback in innovation” and a delay in AI services to the people of Brazil. “We are more transparent than many players in this industry who have used public content to train their models and products,” Meta said. “Our approach complies with privacy laws and regulations in Brazil.”
Brazil has become a primary focus in the tech regulatory landscape, particularly after it banned billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform X (previously Twitter) over an alleged rise in hate speech and disinformation. Musk’s feud with Brazil’s Supreme Court judge, who ordered the suspension, has been highly publicised, with the Musk calling the judge “an evil dictator” and “tyrant”. The use of VPNs to access X has been penalised with a fine worth up to $9,000 a day, too.
