Meta Suspends AI Tools in Brazil Amid Privacy Policy Dispute

Meta has suspended its generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Brazil following objections from the country's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) regarding the company's privacy policy.

Regulatory Objections

Earlier in July, the ANPD suspended the validity of Meta’s new privacy policy, specifically targeting the section related to the processing of personal data for generative AI training, according to a Reuters report on Thursday, July 17. In response, Meta announced it would suspend its AI tools in Brazil while discussions with ANPD are ongoing.

This suspension marks a significant move as Meta navigates regulatory landscapes across different regions. About a month earlier, Meta had paused the planned launch of its AI assistant, Meta AI, in Europe after the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) requested a delay in training its large language models (LLMs) with content from its Facebook and Instagram platforms.

Meta's Commitment to AI Expansion

Despite these regulatory hurdles, Meta remains committed to expanding its AI capabilities globally. In a June 14 blog post, Meta emphasized its dedication to bringing Meta AI and the models powering it to more regions, including Europe. However, the company acknowledged that without incorporating local information, the AI's performance would be subpar, leading to the current pause in its European rollout.

Privacy Concerns in Europe

On June 6, the Vienna-based privacy group NOYB (European Center for Digital Rights) filed complaints in 11 European countries, alleging that Meta's use of user data for AI purposes violates the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). NOYB founder Max Schrems criticized Meta’s broad data usage policy, claiming it contradicts GDPR compliance.

In response, a Meta spokesperson noted that the company's approach aligns with how other tech companies are developing and enhancing their AI experiences in Europe.