How Meta's Bold Move To Train AI With UK Social Media Data Defies EU Laws Amid Struggling Stock Performance

• Meta is using UK Facebook and Instagram posts for AI training, despite EU privacy laws.
• Privacy groups criticize Meta for using data without explicit consent, making users involuntary contributors.
• Despite a volatile stock history, Meta faces a critical resistance at $540.

Meta Platforms Inc META has decided to use UK Facebook and Instagram posts to train its AI systems, even though this practice is prohibited under EU privacy laws. This highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding data use for AI training.

Previously, Meta paused these plans after discussions with the UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), but now it plans to simplify opt-out procedures for users who don't want their data used this way.

The ICO hasn't approved the plan but will monitor it to ensure privacy compliance. Privacy groups like the Open Rights Group and None of Your Business have raised concerns, arguing that using data without explicit consent makes users unwilling participants in Meta's AI projects.

Meta's plans are still paused in the EU, where the company is frustrated by regulatory barriers it says are hindering AI development.

Meta claims these restrictions prevent EU citizens' data from being used for AI training, potentially slowing innovation. In the UK, Meta will only use publicly shared posts for AI training, excluding private messages and data from minors.

The company aims to reflect British culture accurately and help UK businesses benefit from new technology.

Meta emphasizes transparency and strong safeguards in data handling, and the ICO stresses the importance of these measures, noting that while no explicit approval has been given, Meta must comply with ongoing standards.

While Meta has been active with data use and AI training, its stock performance tells another story. After falling by 75% between September 2021 and November 2022, the stock rebounded with a 500% rise by April 2024.

However, it is now facing resistance around $540. Despite attempts to push past this, including using the support level at $500, the stock has struggled to move higher.

Investors are closely watching, as breaking through this barrier might indicate a lasting upward trend.

After the closing bell on Friday, September 13, the stock closed at $524.62, trading down by 0.19%.

This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.