Brazil halts Meta’s new privacy policy for AI training, citing serious privacy risks

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has taken immediate action to halt the implementation of Meta’s new privacy policy concerning the use of personal data to train generative AI systems within the country.

The ANPD’s precautionary measure, announced in Brazil’s official gazette, suspends the processing of personal data across all Meta products, extending to individuals who are not users of the tech company’s platforms. The regulatory body, operating under Brazil’s Justice Ministry, has imposed a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,836.58) for any directive violations.

The decision by the ANPD was motivated by the perceived ‘imminent risk of serious and irreparable or difficult-to-repair damage to the fundamental rights of affected individuals.’ As a result, Meta is mandated to revise its privacy policy to eliminate the segment related to the processing of personal data for generative AI training. Additionally, Meta must issue an official statement confirming the suspension of personal data processing for this purpose.

In response to the ANPD’s ruling, Meta expressed disappointment, characterising the move as a setback for innovation and predicting a delay in delivering AI benefits to the Brazilian population. Meta defended its practices by pointing to its transparency policy compared to other industry players who have used public content for training models and products. The company asserted that its approach aligns with Brazil’s privacy laws and regulations.