Meta has announced that it will soon begin training its artificial intelligence (AI) models on the data of European Union (EU) users of its apps, including Facebook and Instagram. The company claims that this move is aimed at creating AI models that better reflect the regions they are used in, taking into account local dialects, colloquialisms, and cultural nuances.

The data used for training will include public posts, comments, and chat history with Meta AI, but will exclude private messages with friends and family. The company has assured that only users above the age of 18 will be affected by this move. Meta will start notifying its EU users about the training this week, via in-app notifications and email, and will provide a link to an objection form for those who wish to opt out.

This development comes after Meta put its AI-training plans in Europe on hold last year, following a request from Irish regulators. The company has been working to address concerns around data privacy and security, particularly in the EU, where users are guaranteed more protections regarding the use of their personal data online.

Meta's decision to train AI on EU user data is seen as a significant move, given the company's previous admission that it had trained AI using all text and photos publicly posted by adult Facebook users since 2007. The company claims that the data collected will be used to improve its AI models, particularly for multi-modal AI, which involves text, voice, video, and imagery.

The move is also seen as a response to the company's announcement last year that it would start training its AI models on British users, who, like those in the EU, are guaranteed more protections regarding the use of their personal data online. By expanding its AI training to EU users, Meta aims to create more region-specific AI models that can better understand and respond to local contexts.

Industry experts believe that Meta's move could have significant implications for the development of AI in the EU, particularly in terms of data privacy and security. While the company's decision to offer an opt-out option is seen as a positive step, concerns remain around the potential risks of training AI on user data, particularly in the context of data breaches and misuse.

As the tech industry continues to grapple with the challenges of AI development, Meta's move is likely to be closely watched by regulators, policymakers, and users alike. The company's ability to balance its AI ambitions with user privacy and security concerns will be crucial in determining the success of its AI training plans in the EU.

In the broader context, Meta's move highlights the ongoing debate around the use of user data in AI development, and the need for greater transparency, accountability, and regulation in this area. As AI continues to shape the tech landscape, it is essential that companies like Meta prioritize user privacy and security, while also driving innovation and progress in the field.