TL;DR
- Meta plans to use public data from Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp to train its AI tool, Meta AI.
- The Dutch privacy regulator, AP, has warned users to object if they don’t want their data used.
- The AP expressed deep concern over Meta’s decision and the broader trend of large tech platforms using personal data to train AI.
The Dutch privacy regulator, Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), has warned Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp users that they should object if they don’t want their public data to be used to train Meta’s artificial intelligence tool, Meta AI.
Regulator concerned over AI trained with personal user data
Last year, the Irish data protection regulator already warned against the launch of the tool. The AP said it’s “very concerned” about the plans of Meta and other large platforms to train their tools with user data. The AP emphasized that the legal responsibility lies with Meta itself and that users who oppose the use of their data must act now.
According to the AP, users who don’t object before May 27, 2025, will automatically have their public data used to train Meta AI. The regulator stated that the risk is that as a user, you lose control over your personal data, and you’ve ever posted something on Instagram or Facebook, and that data will soon be in that AI model, without knowing exactly what happens to it.
Risk for users to lose control over personal data
The Dutch regulator’s vice-chair, Monique Verdier, said in a statement: “The risk is that as a user you lose control over your personal data. You’ve ever posted something on Instagram or Facebook and that data will soon be in that AI model, without knowing exactly what happens to it.”
Meta announced the roll-out of Meta AI out across the EU earlier this month, after it was launched in the US in September 2023. However, its plan to continue expansion in Europe was halted last summer due to “regulatory unpredictability”: the Irish Data Protection Commission told the company to pause the launch because it planned to use data of adult users of Facebook and Instagram to train its large language models (LLMs).
Markus Reinisch, Vice President, Public Policy Europe, Meta, said at a Euronews event that tools do “require regulation” for example to protect citizens’ fundamental rights. He added that it’s a big problem that a well-meant regulation is implemented in a discriminatory manner that harms Meta’s business models.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dutch privacy regulator’s warning against Meta’s AI plans highlights the ongoing concerns about data protection and the use of personal data by large tech platforms. As the EU continues to develop its regulatory framework for AI, it is essential for companies like Meta to prioritize transparency and user consent when collecting and using personal data.
References
[^1]: Cynthia Kroet (2025-04-24). “Dutch privacy regulator latest to warn against use of Meta AI“. Euronews. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
[^2]: Anuj Mudaliar (2024-04-22). “Netherlands Government Might Stop Facebook Usage Over Privacy Risks“. Spiceworks. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
[^3]: Max Schrems (2024-06-06). “noyb urges 11 DPAs to immediately stop Meta’s abuse of personal data for AI“. noyb. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
[^4]: Kristof Van Quathem (2023-10-13). “Spain Creates AI Regulator to Enforce the AI Act“. Inside Privacy. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
[^5]: Reuters (2024-12-17). “EU privacy regulator fines Meta 251 million euros“. Reuters. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
