Verbraucherzentrale NRW requests Meta to cease and desist AI training in the EU

Forced Consent & Consent Bypass On 14 April, Meta announced that it would use the personal data of European users for artificial intelligence (AI) training in the future. Starting on 27 May, the company will use all posts published on Instagram and Facebook for AI training. The company falsely claims to have a legitimate interest in this extensive data use – even though it should actually ask those affected for their consent. noyb filed a series of GDPR complaints against Meta's plans in 2024, prompting the Irish DPA to temporarily halt the plans. Although the legality of the plans has still not been clarified by the authorities, Meta is now pressing ahead and ignoring the fundamental right to data protection of all affected Europeans. The Verbraucherzentrale North Rhine-Westphalia has now officially requested to Meta to cease and desist its AI training plans in the EU - and is considering further legal steps if the company fails to respond. noyb fully supports the Verbraucherzentr