Meta has decided to delay the launch and training of its AI assistant in Europe in response to a request from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC). This decision comes after the DPC, acting on behalf of European Data Protection Authorities (DPAs), asked Meta to pause the training of its large language models (LLMs) using public content from Facebook and Instagram users in the EU.

The Irish DPC, serving as Meta’s lead privacy regulator in the EU, expressed concerns about the privacy implications of training LLMs on public content shared by adults on these platforms. They emphasized the potential risks to user privacy and the necessity for Meta to address these concerns before proceeding with the launch.

In Meta’s statement on June 10, they indicated their disappointment with the decision, viewing it as a setback for AI competition and innovation within the European Union. The company emphasized its confidence in its compliance with European regulations but acknowledged the need to address regulatory concerns adequately.

The issue escalated following notifications sent to users on May 22, informing them about Meta’s AI training activities. This action triggered complaints from organizations such as the European privacy non-profit NOYB and the Norwegian Consumer Council, prompting further scrutiny from multiple DPAs, including the Irish DPC.

Meta had been engaged in consultations with regulatory authorities since March and had integrated feedback to align its AI training practices with EU AI laws. Despite these efforts, the pause in training reflects ongoing regulatory challenges surrounding AI technology and data privacy in the region.

Meta’s approach has drawn comparisons to other tech giants like Google and OpenAI, which also use AI for user data training but have navigated regulatory landscapes differently. Meta intends to proceed with AI training under the legal basis of "Legitimate Interest," a provision under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that offers flexibility but requires careful scrutiny from regulators.

As the situation unfolds, Meta remains committed to working closely with European regulators to address concerns and resume its AI initiatives in compliance with EU data protection standards. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence the future trajectory of AI deployment and regulation across Europe’s digital landscape.