Opposition period for data use at Meta ends today!

Opposition period for data use at Meta ends today!

Today, on May 26, 2025, the deadline for users of Facebook and Instagram, which would like to contradict the use of their data to improve the artificial intelligence (AI) of Meta. Like Welt , plans Meta, personal data from users from these platforms to use, including their AI systems, including optimize the chatbot meta ai in the messenger WhatsApp and models such as Llama. However, this measure only affects adult users.

A survey shows that 76 percent of Internet users in Germany reject the use of their data on AI development without prior consent. The company intends to process a large number of publicly available information, including profile information, posts, photos as well as comments and reactions. Although the Consumer Center NRW tried to stop the AI ​​training through an urgent application, it was rejected, which increases the concerns about a possible violation of EU law. The data protection organization None of your Business (NOYB) criticizes that Meta does not catch up with any explicit consent of the users, which contradicts the data protection laws.

objection procedure and difficulties

users have the option of specifically objecting to each service. The procedures are to be handled separately for Facebook and Instagram. For example, users have to open their profile page for Facebook, access the menu and navigate in the settings for the data protection directive in order to fill out their objection form. This can also be done via a Link to the form . The process works in a similar way to Instagram, where users can reach the settings on their profile page. However, the accessibility of the opposition form has been criticized as difficult to handle because many users do not know where to look.

The deadline for the objection ended on May 25, 2025, and only use of the data from this date can be prevented. Data that has previously been used are not taken into account, which further increases the concerns of users in terms of data protection. The possibility of contradicting the use later remains, but already used data are irrevocably processed.

AI and data protection: a complex interaction

The use of AI is becoming increasingly important in companies to increase efficiency and optimize processes, such as SRD Lawyers noted. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is decisive because KIS often processes personal data. The legal basis for data processing must be clearly defined, and the company must ensure transparency and data minimization. In particular, the characteristics of the new legal regulation, the AI ​​Act, which came into force on August 1, 2024, underline the need to put data protection at the center of the AI.

The definition and the legal framework of the AI ​​are broad and always cause discussions. Companies must ensure that the use of data for the development of their AI solutions is based on one of the legal bases such as consent, contract-based use or legitimate interests. At this point, the transparent handling of user data is of central importance in order not to lose the trust of the users and prevent legal consequences.