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noyb sends Meta 'cease and desist' letter over AI training. European Class Action as potential next step

Forced Consent & Consent Bypass Meta has announced it will use EU personal data from Instagram and Facebook users to train its new AI systems from 27 May onwards.

Social Media Legitimate Interest Personal Data Consent Affirmative Action and Opt-In Requirements for Consent
May 14, 2025 Source noyb.eu

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Forced Consent & Consent Bypass Meta has announced it will use EU personal data from Instagram and Facebook users to train its new AI systems from 27 May onwards. Instead of asking consumers for opt-in consent, Meta relies on an alleged 'legitimate interest' to just suck up all user data. The new EU Collective Redress Directive allows Qualified Entities such as noyb to issue EU-wide injunctions. As a first step, noyb has now sent a formal settlement proposal in the form of a so-called Cease and Desist letter to Meta. Other consumer groups also take action. If injunctions are filed and won, Meta may also be liable for damages to consumers, which could be brought in a separate EU class action. Damages could reach billions. In summary, Meta may face massive legal risks – just because it relies on an "opt-out" instead of an "opt-in" system for AI training. noyb's Cease and Desist Letter to Meta IrelandReuters report about noyb's cease and desist letterPress Release by the German VZ NRW on

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