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Meta’s AI tool’s better, but we’re still watching it, says Irish watchdog

Mark Zuckerberg
Meta AI, the latest artificial intelligence tool from Meta, has been launched in Europe amidst data concerns. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) is reviewing Meta AI, particularly regarding WhatsApp and the use of personal data for training large language models.The DPC has been engaging with Meta since March 2024, when the Big Tech company first said it would bring MetaAI to Europe. Meta initially planned to train its Large Language Models (LLMs) using public data shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram across the EU. However, the company paused the roll-out due to “regulatory unpredictability” and questions surrounding the use of personal data.

Questions about Meta AI remain

The Irish watchdog says it still has open questions about Meta AI, especially in relation to WhatsApp. Meta has expressed confidence in its compliance with the EU’s data protection laws and has been transparent with the DPC about its launch. However, failure to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) could lead to significant fines.

According to Euronews, certain aspects of Meta AI fall under the scope of Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires the company to meet specific standards on user safety and transparency.

Key Features of Meta AI

Meta AI enables users to interact with a chat function across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The company has been transparent about its launch and has expressed confidence in its compliance with the EU’s data protection laws.

Meta AI was first introduced in the US in September 2023, followed by India in June 2024, and the UK in October. The company has been expanding its presence in Europe, but its expansion faced delays last summer due to concerns raised by the Irish privacy watchdog.

Other companies like Google and OpenAI have also been developing AI tools, but Meta’s tool is considered to be more advanced. The company has been using its AI tool to generate human-like text and has been testing it with users.

However, not everyone is convinced of the benefits of AI tools. Some experts argue that AI tools are not yet reliable and can be biased or incorrect. The Irish Data Protection Commission has launched a probe into Elon Musk’s X over its use of data to develop the AI tool Grok.

Other experts argue that AI tools have the potential to revolutionize many industries, including healthcare and education. For example, AI can help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately and help students learn more effectively. However, there are also concerns about the impact of AI on jobs and the potential for AI to replace human workers.

The Digital Watch Observatory reports that the use of AI tools is expected to increase in the coming years, with more companies investing in AI research and development. The Observatory also notes that there are concerns about the impact of AI on society, including the potential for job displacement and the need for more regulation.

Implications of Meta AI

The launch of Meta AI in Europe has significant implications for the future of artificial intelligence. The tool has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including healthcare, education, and finance. However, there are also concerns about the impact of AI on jobs and the potential for AI to replace human workers.

According to Euronews, the Irish Data Protection Commission is reviewing Meta AI, particularly regarding WhatsApp and the use of personal data for training large language models. The Commission has expressed concerns about the potential for AI to replace human workers and the need for more regulation.

The Digital Watch Observatory reports that the use of AI tools is expected to increase in the coming years, with more companies investing in AI research and development. The Observatory also notes that there are concerns about the impact of AI on society, including the potential for job displacement and the need for more regulation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the launch of Meta AI in Europe is a significant development in the field of artificial intelligence. The tool has the potential to revolutionize many industries, but there are also concerns about the impact of AI on jobs and the potential for AI to replace human workers. As the use of AI tools increases, it is essential to address these concerns and ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.

References

[^1]: Euronews. (2025). Irish privacy watchdog has ‘unresolved questions’ about Meta’s AI tool. Retrieved May 22, 2025
[^2]: Digital Watch Observatory. (2025). MetaAI launches in Europe amid data concerns. Retrieved May 22, 2025

This article was written with the help of AI.

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