Meta starts AI training in the EU: What users need to know!

Meta starts AI training in the EU: What users need to know!

Meta has announced that it will train its artificial intelligence (AI) models in the European Union (EU) using public posts and comments from adults. The company announced this on April 15, 2025. In addition, user interactions with the AI ​​should also be incorporated into the training. Users in the EU will be contacted in the near future to provide them with a link where they can opt out of the use of their data.

An important point in the announcement is that private messages and data from people under 18 will not be used for training. Meta emphasizes its responsibility to develop AI that is specifically tailored to the needs of Europeans. However, there is currently no statement from the EU Commission on this topic.

Introduction and background

Meta AI's initiative, which launched in the US in 2023, has been delayed by a year in Europe due to stricter data protection and transparency regulations. The launch, originally scheduled for June 2024, finally took place last month, leaving the tech world in suspense.

In this context, it is also important to consider the current guidelines and legal framework for AI in the EU. According to an article by Europarl, there are two main categories of high-risk AI systems. These systems, which pose a high risk to health, safety or fundamental rights, need to be fully assessed before they are placed on the market and also monitored throughout their life cycle.

Categorization of AI systems

The AI ​​systems are divided into the following areas:

• KI-Systeme in Produkten, die unter die Produktsicherheitsvorschriften der EU fallen, beispielsweise in Bereichen wie Spielzeug, Luftfahrt, Fahrzeuge, medizinische Geräte und Aufzüge.
• KI-Systeme in spezifischen Bereichen, die in einer EU-Datenbank registriert werden müssen, einschließend kritische Infrastrukturen, Bildung, Beschäftigung, Zugang zu öffentlichen Diensten, Strafverfolgung, Migration und Asyl sowie Gesetzesanwendung.

Citizens have the right to lodge complaints about these high-risk AI systems with relevant national authorities, representing a further step towards transparency and accountability in the use of AI.

The developments at Meta and the associated EU regulatory measures illustrate the ongoing debate about the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the region. As technology advances, the challenge of ensuring user safety and rights remains.

For more information about Meta's plans in the EU, please visit crown and for the legal provisions on AI in the EU > European Parliament.