Norwegian Consumer Council has lodged a complaint against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over its intention to utilize user images and posts for training artificial intelligence (AI) models. The complaint alleges that Meta’s opt-out process violates stringent European Union (EU) data protection regulations and has intentionally been made arduous through the use of deceptive design patterns and vague language. The Norwegian Consumer Council issued a statement on Thursday, highlighting their concerns.
According to the council, Meta’s approach to obtaining user consent for AI training purposes is in violation of EU data protection rules. The complaint asserts that the company’s opt-out process is deliberately convoluted, making it difficult for users to exercise their rights. The Norwegian Consumer Council further claims that Meta employs deceptive design patterns and ambiguous wording, potentially misleading users into unknowingly granting permission for their data to be used.
The use of user data to train AI models has become a contentious issue, with privacy advocates raising concerns about the potential misuse and exploitation of personal information. The Norwegian Consumer Council’s complaint against Meta Platforms Inc. underscores the need for companies to adhere to strict data protection regulations and ensure transparency in their practices.
Meta, which recently rebranded from Facebook, has faced mounting scrutiny over its handling of user data and privacy concerns. The company has been under increased pressure to address these issues and regain public trust. The Norwegian Consumer Council’s complaint adds to the growing list of challenges Meta must navigate as it seeks to rebuild its reputation.
In response to the complaint, Meta Platforms Inc. stated that it takes privacy concerns seriously and is committed to complying with applicable laws and regulations. The company emphasized its ongoing efforts to improve transparency and user control over data usage.