TLDR
- The ANPD, Brazil’s data watchdog, has prohibited Meta from utilizing Brazilian citizens’ personal data in training its AI systems.
- This decision is part of a response to Meta’s updated privacy policy from May, which had previously allowed the use of information from Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger within AI training.
- The ANPD points to a substantial risk of severe and irreversible harm to users' basic rights.
- Meta has been given a tight deadline of five working days to make changes; otherwise, they face penalties amounting to 50,000 reais daily (approximately $8,808).
- This action is similar to the resistance Meta faced from European regulators.
Brazil's ANPD has actively taken measures to safeguard its citizens by mandating a halt on Meta’s collection of personal data for its AI algorithms.
This decision, announced on Tuesday The move addresses Meta’s recent announcement that allowed the collection of public content across its platforms for AI development.
The ANPD’s warning discusses potential threats of serious and irreversible consequences for Brazilian users. With tens of millions of users on Facebook and Instagram, Brazil is a key market for Meta.
The agency’s worries are validated by a known Human Rights Watch report highlighting that large AI training datasets, like LAION-5B, had identifiable images of Brazilian minors.
This revelation sparked concerns about deepfakes and misuse, pressing the need for heightened data protection rules.
Following the ANPD's directive, Meta must adjust its practices within five business days, or face a significant monetary fine per day for non-compliance.
Reacting to the strict order, Meta voiced its dismay, stating that its procedures align with regional privacy legislations. Their representative conveyed",@"This move delays the benefits of innovation and competition that AI can offer to society in Brazil.
However, the ANPD’s proactive approach is seen positively by privacy supporters and experts.
Pedro Martins from Data Privacy Brasil identified gaps in Meta’s data protection between Brazilian and European users.
While Europe intended to exclude minors from AI training datasets, that wasn’t the case in Brazil, where content from younger users was included and opting out was a tedious process.
Brazil's decision mirrors European concerns. Meta had to pause similar AI data use plans in Europe after an appeal from Irish data regulators, postponing policy changes proposed for late June.
A global dialogue is emerging around data, privacy, and AI ethics, challenging companies like Meta.
Facing changes in Brazil and Europe, Meta might need to rethink its worldwide AI strategies to adapt to these regulatory hurdles.
Head of Blockonomi and Kooc Media founder, pushing for an open internet and embracing emerging tech like blockchain.
